High School Football Player Dies Three Days After Helmet-to-Helmet Hit

Damon Janes, a 16-year-old running back on the Brocton High School Wolverines football team, lost consciousness after a helmet-to-helmet hit in a game against Portville Friday night.

On Monday night, he passed away at Women & Children’s Hospital in Buffalo, according to BuffaloNews.com.

Janes, who also played defensive back for the Western New York high school, was taken off the field in a stretcher in the third quarter after the collision and was rushed to Olean General. He was moved to Women and Children’s Hospital later that night.

The district issued this statement on their website Tuesday:

“Our school and community is devastated by the football tragedy that occurred at the game last Friday night and we are grieving his loss. Damon was a unique, artistic, smart, athletic and friendly young man. Currently we are reaching out to support his family and friends and ask for time to mourn Damon’s passing. Our strength, love and faith will pull us together to get us through this difficult time.

“Crisis counseling services will be available to students in both Brocton and Westfield throughout the coming days. Our continued thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends,classmates and teammates.”

Photo via Facebook.com/Damon Janes Memorial Benefit