Sad news to report Friday, as 14-year-old high school student Lewis N. Simpkins of South Carolina tragically passed away after collapsing during his Thursday football practice.
Lexington County officials confirmed the news, according to the AP.
Simpkins was a sophomore defensive tackle for River Bluff High School. His collapse came near the conclusion of a two-hour football practice.
“It was a joy to coach Lewis. Such a bright, talented young man. We’ll all miss his smile. But I don’t believe his spirit is gone,” said Westwood High School defensive coordinator James Reynolds, a former River Bluff assistant who coached Simpkins in the past.
According to a school spokesperson, water was available to all players every 15 to 20 minutes during breaks.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
