Cohen Craddock, a lively 13-year-old known for his selflessness, was the youngest in his family. His father, Ryan Craddock, described him as compassionate and always eager to lift others’ spirits
The Craddock family in West Virginia is now grieving his loss. Cohen died on Saturday following a football practice injury on Friday. His death is one of three involving student football players since the school year began.
These tragedies underscore the dangers of American football as the nation heads into Labour Day weekend and the football season.
8th grader Cohen Craddock of Boone County WV died after taking a hard hit to the head in practice on Friday.
It is the second death in football from a traumatic brain injury this weekend. This is a sad start to the football season. https://t.co/eydxpDpkdS— Chris Nowinski, Ph.D. (@ChrisNowinski1) August 26, 2024
Cohen’s injury occurred the same day a 16-year-old Alabama football player, Caden Tellier, sustained a fatal injury during his school’s season opener. Michael McLendon, Executive Director of the Alabama Independent School Association, confirmed Caden’s brain injury occurred on Friday night. His death was announced on Saturday.
Caden’s family decided to donate his organs. His mother shared on Facebook that Caden was preparing for this final act of generosity.
Another Alabama teenager, Semaj Wilkins, died on August 13 after a medical emergency during practice at New Brockton High School, according to Coffee County Coroner Arnold Woodham. The practice had been underway for just 10 or 15 minutes.
The Coffee County School System expressed that Semaj brought joy and inspiration to his community, and his loss is deeply felt.
In 2023, 16 football players from youth leagues to college levels died, per the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research. Thirteen deaths were related to football, while two were unrelated, and the cause of one remains unknown. Three deaths involved traumatic brain injuries, all occurring during games, with other causes including heat stroke, cardiac arrest, and pulmonary embolism.
Cohen, an eighth grader at Madison Middle School, initially loved tennis but enjoyed the camaraderie of team sports, leading him to football. Active in his church youth group, he aspired to be an engineer.
Tragically, during a defensive play in practice, Cohen collided with another player, causing a fatal brain injury. His father explained that Cohen’s brain began to swell and bleed after hitting the ground. En route to the hospital, Cohen aspirated and suffered low oxygen levels, leading to brain death and subsequent bodily failure.
Cohen passed away from his injuries on Saturday at the hospital, the Boone County Ambulance Authority reported.
Ryan Craddock advocates for improved safety in youth football in memory of his son. He suggests helmets with soft-shell coverings could have altered Cohen’s outcome. Lab research indicates these coverings reduce impact force, though real-life studies show mixed results.
Cohen’s school, Madison Middle, mourns his loss. Superintendent Matthew Riggs confirmed additional counselors are available for students.
Ryan Craddock urges others to honor Cohen by spreading happiness and love, mirroring Cohen’s affectionate nature.
CNN’s Rebekah Riess, Melissa Alonso, Amy Simonson, Emily Smith, and Jamie Gumbrecht contributed to this report.
