LOST CREEK, W.Va. — South Harrison High School football player Dylan Jeffries died Sunday, nine days after suffering a severe head injury during a football game.
The news of his passing was posted Sunday night on the Facebook page created to update friends and community members about his condition.
“Dylan has fought very had through this past week, but today his battle is over. He has gone to be with our Lord and Savior.” was the post added to announce his death.
The popular kid in the No. 22 Hawks jersey was rushed via Health Net to Ruby Memorial Hospital Sept. 27 from the football game between South Harrison and Lincoln high schools. He suffered a blood clot to the brain which caused him to collapse. For the past several days he had been in a medically induced coma.
Dylan’s injury brought the community together and had gathered followers and prayers from far and wide. Mileena Beatty posted the updates on the Facebook page.
“Today we ask that you not remember Dylan for this tragedy, but for the amazing person he was. Remember him as the friend that was always there. Remember him as the great athlete he was when he put on his helmet. Remember him as the comedian. Remember him as a loyal person. Remember him as a true person. Remember him as he was on earth, because none of that will change. He will always be our Dylan and he will always be with us in our hearts.”
She added a note for the players involved in the game,
“To the Lincoln football team; Dylan knew many of you and was very excited about this game. Please do not blame yourselves if you tackled him or came in any contact with him throughout the game. He would have done the same to you if you were carrying the ball. The Lord planned all of this, though we do not know why, we just have to accept that the Lord’s plans are greater than our wisdom.”
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced at a later time.
Beatty concluded the Facebook post with this note.
“Rest peacefully, our sweet Dylan. May you be forever pain free and at bliss with our Lord while you watch over everyone that you loved and cared for. ….. Always Loved and Never Forgotten.”