(Twitter)
Tom Cutinella was the football player from Shoreham-Wading River High School, New York who died from injuries in a game. Here’s the info on the tragedy.
1. He Was a Junior
(Twitter)
Tom Cutinella was a junior at Shoreham-Wading River School in Shoreham, New York on Long Island.
His team was playing against John Glenn High School in Elwood, New York, Long Island.
2. The Injury Occurred in the Third Quarter
#tbt #football #sharks pic.twitter.com/0Y0S2hUvCz
— Tom Cutinella (@tcutinella) August 1, 2013
Cutinella’s fatal injuries were sustained in the third quarter of the football game after after taking a big hit from a large opponent. The hit resulted in a head injury.
He was rushed to the hospital.
Suffolk County police said the collision happened about 6 p.m. ET. Cutinella, a guard/linebacker, was injured during the third quarter of the varsity game.
Dozens of relatives, teammates and friends waited at the hospital for an update on his condition. As news of his death spread, two people fell to the floor weeping.
4. The School’s Superintendent has Released a Statement
Superintendent Steven R. Cohen has stated:
“The Shoreham-Wading River School District community is terribly saddened to learn of the tragic death of Tom Cutinella, a high school junior and varsity football player. Tom passed away after colliding with an opponent in Wednesday night’s game against Elwood John H. Glenn High School.”
“Our school community is truly devastated by this awful news and we all extend our deepest condolences to Tom’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
“Tom played football for the district since he entered the high school in ninth grade, becoming a member of the varsity team this year. In addition, Tom played lacrosse and was a member of the Natural Helpers program, which focuses on peers helping peers. He excelled academically, had a great sense of humor and was just a great individual overall. He was well-liked among students and staff and he will truly be missed.”
“Each student is a valued member of our educational community and a young person’s death is always tragic. A sudden loss like this can have a profound effect on the entire school community. Grief counselors will be made available to students and staff for as long as needed as we mourn and cope with the loss of such an amazing life.”
5. Cutinella is the Third HS Football Player to Die Recently
Demario Harris, Jr. (Twitter)
Cutinella is the third high school football player to die in the past week.
Cornerback Demario Harris, Jr. of of Charles Henderson High School in Troy, Alabama died on Sunday after getting tackled on the field.
Linebacker Isaiah Langston of Rolesville High School in North Carolina died on Friday, collapsing after warmups on the field.
Both Harris and Langston may have had a pr-existing condition that made them more susceptible to football injuries, ESPN reports.
