Semaj Wilkins, a 14-year-old freshman and varsity football player at New Brockton High School in Alabama, tragically passed away on Tuesday afternoon after collapsing during a routine football practice.
According to Coffee County Coroner Arnold Woodham, Semaj was participating in drills when he experienced a medical emergency. Despite receiving immediate medical attention and being transported to Medical Center Enterprise, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival, as reported by WSAZ3.
Woodham requested the community’s prayers, stating, “While additional details will be released later, I am asking the community to continue to be in prayer for his family, his teammates, his coaches, and all affected by the tragic loss of Mr. Wilkins.”
Coffee County Schools Superintendent Kelly Cobb expressed the district’s sorrow in a public statement through 1819 News:
“Our Coffee County School System family is grieving the loss of a New Brockton High School freshman who passed away after a medical emergency late this afternoon. The Coffee County Sheriff’s Department and the District Attorney’s Office are conducting an investigation, and the Coffee County School System will fully cooperate with both agencies.
Starting tomorrow, we will have our crisis response team, including counselors, pastors, and other support staff, available at New Brockton High School to provide support for the family, friends, classmates, teachers, and other school staff. Our hearts are broken for the family’s loss, and our prayers are with them as they mourn. We ask that the family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time.”
Friends and family members have been paying tribute to Semaj on social media. His mother, Lotoya Bethea, shared a heartfelt message on Facebook:
“God, I thank you for another day, but waking up to the reality that Semaj Wilkins, my other son, as Regina Regena Johnson-Adams and I always say, is truly gone to be with the Lord is just not registering. My heart and soul cry out for these young people. So many are hurting right now, and we must pray and embrace these children.
My son, Isaiha, had a very restless night, but this too shall pass, and we will understand it better by and by. To all of the family, my prayers are with you, and we will get through this with God on our side. Thank you, Lord, for the years you gave us with him. Take your rest now, baby. I love you, Semaj.”
Wilkins’ aunt, LaSandra Flowers-Robinson, also expressed her gratitude and sorrow:
“Thank you to all the EMS and Rescue staff who tried to save my nephew’s life on the field. Thank you, coach, for calling me as soon as the tragedy occurred. I dropped and ran to the field, praying that he was ok, but God had other plans.
I would like to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the family support at New Brockton High School. When I tell you that Gamecock Nation showed up, they definitely did. All my boy wanted to be was a Gamecock! I’m not good, but I have to be for my sister. We will be taking visitation at 803 Dixie Dr., Enterprise, Alabama.”