BLOOMFIELD, Conn. (WFSB/Gray News) – Hundreds of members of a Connecticut community gathered at a vigil to honor a 14-year-old Pop Warner football player who died after collapsing during practice.
Jahkye Gayle, 14, was a member of the Bloomfield Junior Warhawks, a Pop Warner football team. He collapsed during a non-contact warmup drill at practice Wednesday, according to Trevor Ford, the president of Junior Warhawks Football.
“It was just like a walk through, essentially just light jogging. Nothing strenuous or anything like that,” Ford said.
After he collapsed, Jahkye was immediately attended to by staff and emergency medical personnel at the scene, but he could not be revived, WFSB reports.
Hundreds of community members, including the 14-year-old’s teammates, friends and family, gathered on the football field Saturday night to honor his memory. They lit candles and released balloons in the sky.
“It’s hard losing my brother, someone I shared a room with, did everything with and grew up with. He was overall a great person who changed people with his presence,” said Lamar, Jahkye’s brother.
Jahkye was a talented football player who was known as a jokester among his teammates. He was one of the longest tenured players in the youth football program and was scheduled to receive the lifetime achievement award at this year’s banquet.
His mother, Stacey Haylett, spoke about losing her youngest child.
“Jahkye was my youngest, my baby… I don’t know what went wrong,” she said.
Jahkye’s football team will now be dedicating the rest of their season, including an upcoming national championship appearance, to the teenager.
A GoFundMe has been created to help Jahkye’s family with funeral and other costs.
“Jahkye was a vibrant, talented, and beloved son, friend, and teammate whose light touched everyone around him. He was a proud member of the Bloomfield Jr. Warhawks, where his dedication, sportsmanship, and love for football inspired his teammates and coaches alike,” the fundraising page reads in part.
In response to the tragedy, the interim superintendent of Bloomfield Public Schools and the Bloomfield town manager issued a joint statement, offering their condolences and urging the community to support one another during this difficult time.
“We encourage all students, staff, and families to reach out for help and to lean on each other for support and strength,” the statement read.
To assist with grief and emotional support, counseling services will be available at both Bloomfield High School and Carmen Arace Schools beginning Monday.
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