ACTION 8 UPDATE: Morgan Academy student-athlete passes away after suffering brain injury

A student-athlete from Morgan Academy in Selma has passed away after suffering a brain injury, according to his family.

The parents of student-athlete Caden Tellier posted the heartbreaking news on Facebook late Saturday afternoon:

“Our boy, Caden Tellier has met Jesus face to face. We appreciate all of your prayers and we covet them for the hard days ahead.

“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.

“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.”

In a Facebook post earlier Saturday, Alabama Independent School Association Executive Director Michael McLendon said Caden experienced a tragic injury.

McLendon said Caden’s injury occurred during Morgan Academy’s season-opening game versus Southern Academy Friday night. Caden, a 16-year-old junior, played quarterback for Morgan Academy.

Morgan Academy Headmaster Dr. Bryan Oliver told Al.com that Caden was hurt following a tackle in the third quarter.  He was flown to UAB hospital Friday night.

McLendon said Morgan Academy has suspended all school activities for a week, including Friday’s game at Wilcox Academy.

“As a small school, Morgan Academy feels this tragedy even more deeply, and the Alabama Independent School Association is here to offer any support and resources needed to support them as they grieve,” McLendon said.

“We ask that our entire AISA family and the people of Alabama join us in prayer for peace and comfort for Caden’s family and the Morgan Academy community as they navigate this difficult time.”

Morgan Academy Headmaster Dr. Bryan Oliver released this statement:

“It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that Caden Tellier has gone to be with his Lord and Savior. Caden loved the Lord with all his heart and was a shining light every day he graced the halls of Morgan Academy. He was a student, a friend, an athlete and most important a Christ follower.

“There are no words to describe how we feel as a school community and family. We will come together and support Jamie, Arsella and Lyla with our whole hearts. We offer our deepest sympathy to the Tellier’s extended family as well.

“I want to thank all the schools and individuals that have reached out during this difficult time. Caden will never be forgotten for who he was and what he means to Morgan Academy.”

Caden was an organ donor. A GoFundMe page has been created in his memory.

Stay with Action 8 News for updates.