Morgan Academy starting quarterback Caden Tellier died on Saturday from injuries he received in the opening game of the school’s 2024 season on Aug. 23.
"Our boy, Caden Tellier has met Jesus face to face," his mother Arsella Slagel Tellier said in a statement on Facebook Saturday afternoon. "We will walk out these next few days alongside him in his earthly body knowing that his spirit is rejoicing in heaven. Arrangements for a service will be made soon."
Tellier collapsed after walking to the sidelines in the Morgan Academy vs. Southern Academy game at home Friday night. He was transported by ambulance to Vaughan Regional Medical Center and was airlifted to UAB, where he died Saturday afternoon.
All school athletic activities including practices and games for next week have been suspended, according to a statement from Morgan Academy Headmaster Bryan Oliver. “We will use this time as a school family to reflect, pray and process all that has happened. We will plan to have school on Monday. We have arranged for several pastors to be on campus to assist students in a variety of ways.”
Oliver told parents, “If you feel the need to be with your student outside of school, please do so. Monday will look different for us, but our purpose will be to provide a place for students to feel safe and loved."
“Last night, our school community experienced a situation that most of us have never dealt with," Oliver said. "It is important in times like these to lean on each other and to put our faith in the Lord. There are no words to express the range of emotions that you or your family might be experiencing.”
Alabama Independent School Association Executive Director Michael McLendon said, “We fully support Morgan Academy’s decision to suspend all school activities this week, given their community time to come together, reflect and support one another through this heartbreaking time.”
Oliver told parents, "Please pray for the Tellier family and for God's overwhelming love to cover them. Everyone at school is here for your child and family. Don't hesitate to reach out to any of us."
Mrs. Tellier said in her statement, "Everyone who knows Caden has known kindness, generosity and love, and true to his nature, he is giving of himself one more time. Lives have been touched by the way he lived, and now lives will be saved through his passing."
A GoFundMe page states that Tellier was an organ donor.
Morgan Academy defeated Southern Academy by a score of 30-22.
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