GHSA releases statement on death of Pike County football player

The Georgia High School Association (GHSA) released a new statement surrounding the tragic death of a Pike County High School football player. 

Dylan Thomas, an eleventh-grade football player passed away Sunday evening after officials said he was injured during a varsity football game on Friday.

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On Tuesday, the GHSA said after reviewing the game, there is no indication of an injury happening in the second quarter of the game. GHSA officials also said Thomas didn't report a possible injury at the time. 

Thomas fell during a play in the third quarter, then reported an issue with the feeling in his leg, according to the GHSA. Thomas was helped off the field with what appeared to be a leg injury. 

The GHSA said Thomas was wearing a 2018 model Riddel Flex helmet, which is the highest-rated helmet that Riddell manufactures. 

RELATED: Pike County High School football player dies after suffering injury during game

Head football coach Brad Webber told FOX 5 News after he and several of the coaches repeatedly reviewed the game video, there was no obvious tackle or collision in which Thomas was involved.

“We just don’t know exactly when it happened. As we can tell right now he was not involved in a tackle,” Coach Webber confirmed.

Webber said Thomas initially described himself as having a leg injury, but Grady Memorial Hospital doctors describe it as a head injury.

Medics rushed Dylan to Grady Memorial Hospital where he had emergency surgery but died Sunday.

The death is the first Coach Webber has experienced during his 30 years on the gridiron.

"There is no indication of any negligent action by anyone associated with Pike County in this incident," the GHSA said. "The coaches had taken every precaution to prepare for potential injuries and went beyond the required standards when working within the concussion protocol." 

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