A northeast Nebraska community is mourning the loss of a senior student-athlete.

By Patrick Janssen

WISNER, Neb. – A student has died at a track practice in northeast Nebraska late last week.

“It is with a very heavy heart that we can confirm that Hunter Palmer, senior at Wisner-Pilger Schools, had died,” Wisner-Pilger Public schools said in a press release.

The school opened up for students and staff on Friday and Saturday.

Palmer was committed to play football at Midland University.

“Heaven gained a great young man,” Midland football coach Jeff Jamrog said in a tweet. “Our hearts are heavy and we are all suffering with the pain of the loss of Hunter Palmer. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Palmer family, friends and the Wisner-Pilger community. Our staff really enjoyed recruiting Hunter. He was a dynamic young man who was an absolute pleasure to be around. Hunter was someone so special and will never be forgotten. Hunter is gone way too soon. May you rest in eternal peace Hunter. We miss you already.”

A funeral will be held Wednesday, three days before Wisner-Pilger’s graduation. Funeral services will be at the Wisner City Auditorium at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, with visitation starting at 4:00 p.m.

“It is important for parents to check in on their children during this difficult time,” the school’s press release stated. “Grief is very complicated and can affect each child differently.”