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Florida high school football player died at age 18 after collapsing during game

Idris Bevan September 9, 2024

A Florida high school football player died after collapsing during a game Friday night.

Chance Gainer played wide receiver and defensive back for Port St. Joe High School. The 18-year-old senior collapsed during a game at Liberty County High School.

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Gainer was running toward the field when he fell to the ground, Port St. Joe’s athletic director, vice principal Tim Davis, told the Northwest Florida Daily News. When he fell to the ground, coaches rushed to his side and immediately called emergency medical services.

“He just suddenly fell to the ground,” Davis told the outlet.

The incident occurred on Friday night. (Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

Gainer, who scored a touchdown in the game, was taken to a hospital by ambulance. He later died in the hospital.

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Davis said school officials learned of the teen’s death about four minutes before the end of Friday’s game. The decision was made to end the game, with Port St. Joe winning 28-0.

Gainer’s teammates were subsequently informed of his death.

The scene was heartbreaking. Parents came onto the field to comfort their children. “It’s such a helpless feeling,” Davis said.

Gainer was a model student who visited Vanderbilt University to discuss a possible admission there, Gulf County Schools Superintendent Jim Norton told WJHG-TV.