A high school football player from Georgia, who was highly regarded in his community, was found dead just a day before his team was set to compete in their first state championship in over a quarter of a century, as per school officials and local news reports. The 17-year-old, Brandon Smith, was discovered deceased on Sunday, but the circumstances and cause of his death remain unknown.
The Manchester Schools Superintendent, Robert Griffin, and the Principal of Manchester High School, Suze Neal, expressed their profound grief over the sudden and tragic loss of their student-athlete, Brandon Smith, in a joint statement published on the school’s website. They shared that what was supposed to be a joyous occasion, the school’s participation in the Georgia 1-A State Football Championship, had turned into an unimaginable tragedy.
The school authorities confirmed that an investigation into the tragic incident was underway, with further details expected to be released by law enforcement agencies. The police were reported to be investigating a scene related to the death on Sunday afternoon, as per local news outlet 11 Alive. The student had been reported missing the previous day, the station added.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation confirmed its involvement in the case, stating that it was aiding the Manchester police in processing the crime scene. The school leaders, Griffin and Neal, extended their prayers and support to Brandon’s family, friends, teammates, and classmates. They remembered Brandon as a loyal teammate and friend who excelled both on and off the field, and whose absence would be deeply felt.
The Manchester High School football team is scheduled to face Bowdon High School on Monday in their first state championship game since 1997, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The game is set to take place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the home ground of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons.