An Arizona teen died after suffering a hit to the head in a high school playoff football game Saturday.
Seventeen-year-old Charles Youvella passed away at a local hospital just days after he was hit in a football game. It happened in a 60-6 blowout loss where Youvella scored Hopi High School's only touchdown. (Via KSAZ)
"At 7 minutes and 28 seconds into the fourth quarter, the excitement and adrenaline came to a halt."
"... then a play happened and it seemed like he was a little shaken up, but then, two plays later, he collapsed." (Via KPHO)
"He was conscious and talking when paramedics took him away, but by the time he arrived at St. Joseph's Hospital, he was in critical condition with a severe head injury." (Via KPNX)
The hit Youvella took was reportedly a clean, legal hit.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald tweeted condolences for the young boy, asking followers to pray for Youvella and his family. (Via Twitter / @LarryFitzgerald)
But, this player's death once again highlights the recent attention on the danger of brain injuries in youth sports.
A report in September stated adolescents showing up to emergency facilities with traumatic brain injuries, like concussions, increased by 92 percent between 2002 and 2011. Researchers believe it's partially due to better awareness. (Via HealthDay)
That better awareness is also likely in part due to the lawsuit against the NFL, alleging the league didn't do enough to stop traumatic brain injuries that caused life-long effects. The NFL settled out of court for $765 million. (Via The New York Times)
A memorial service is planned for Youvella Wednesday night.
