A 17-year-old basketball player collapsed during a team workout on Thursday.
Caleb White, a junior at Pinson Valley High School (Alabama), was selected to the first team of all-state last season.
According to his grandfather George Varnadoe Jr., he was ranked No. 2 in Alabama.
White collapsed around 1:12 pm on Thursday. Life-saving measures had to be taken until paramedics could arrive. Just over an hour after he collapsed, he was declared dead at a hospital nearby.
In a press release, AHSAA Executive Director Alvin Briggs stated that “Our prayers and thoughts go out to Caleb’s family, as well as his classmates and the basketball team at Caleb’s school and beyond.” “He was a role model and an outstanding student-athlete.”
Pinson Mayor Joe Cochran posted on Facebook that he was “heartbroken”. No words could comfort a community and family who have lost a young life.
“I was honored to know Caleb personally and loved the spirit he carried. Life is fleeting. Enjoy every day as the treasure it is. I know Caleb did.”
Varnadoe added, “Caleb is a very honorable student, he has a high intellect and is an excellent role model. He was also a phenomenal basketball player.”
White averaged 20.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.9 steals, per AL.com. He averaged 17.3 points in his sophomore season.
A Friday autopsy is scheduled.