A tragedy involving a college football player on the U.S. Naval Academy over the weekend turned fatal.
Collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com reported late Tuesday night that Navy running back Will McKamey died at a Baltimore hospital, three days after he collapsed during a spring practice. Navy confirmed McKamey's death in a news release.
"During this most difficult of times, first and foremost, our prayers and thoughts turn to Randy, Kara (McKamey's parents) and their beautiful family," said Navy head coach Ken Niumatalolo in a statement. "Our deepest and most sincere condolences go out to their entire family and friends. As our Navy football family mourns the loss of one of our brothers, we also celebrate and honor his life. He loved his family, his friends and his teammates. The Brotherhood loves you! Keep the ball 'high and tight' in Heaven."
McKamey was 19 years old.
Yahoo! Sports first reported McKamey's collapse, based on a Facebook post from his mother:
"Facebook friends and family, Will has collapsed on the field during a Navy spring football practice, very similar to last time. They are air-lifting him to Baltimore Trauma Center currently. Please, please pray for him and our family. He is currently stable but unconscious. We are leaving now to get to him!"
McKamey went into a coma shortly after collapsing, collegefootballtalk.com reported, and had surgery on his brain.
According to the report, the "last time" referred to an incident in 2012 when McKamey played for Grace Christian High School in Tennessee. He suffered a brain injury after collapsing in the fourth quarter during a two-point conversion play.
McKamey also was airlifted to an intensive care unit where doctors monitored his brain for bleeding and swelling, but he never had surgery.
The episode ended his season. He still was named Mr. Football in Tennessee that year and signed to play with Navy. He was on the team last season but did not play in a game.
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