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Schools unite to mourn the death of Alabama quarterback Caden Tellier
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Schools unite to mourn the death of Alabama quarterback Caden Tellier

There has been a massive outcry over the death of Morgan Academy quarterback Caden Tellier, who died Saturday after suffering a brain injury during the private school’s season opener in Selma on Friday night.

“It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that Caden Tellier has gone to be with his Lord and Savior,” Morgan Academy Principal Bryan Oliver wrote on the school’s Facebook page. “Caden loved the Lord with all his heart and was a shining light every day he ran through the halls of Morgan Academy. He was a student, a friend, an athlete, and most importantly, a follower of Christ.

“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 all our hearts. We also extend our deepest condolences to the extended Tellier family.”

More: Alabama high school football player dies after head injury during game

Public and private schools, including longtime rivals of Morgan Academy, have posted words of encouragement and condolences on social media.

“We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Tellier family, Morgan Academy and all who knew and loved Caden,” a post on the Prattville High School Athletics Facebook page reads. “We wish you nothing but comfort and strength during this difficult time.”

The Alabama Independent Schools Association is asking for prayers.

“Please keep our friends at Morgan Academy in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” a message on the association’s Facebook page reads.

AISA is truly a family and we will continue to pray for his friends, loved ones and all the students of (Morgan Academy) in the days and weeks ahead.

Hooper Academy Facebook Page

Hooper Academy quoted a Bible verse in her post: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds,” Psalms 147:3.

“Hooper Academy extends its heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the family of Caden Tellier, a standout student-athlete at Morgan Academy who tragically lost his life following an injury on Friday night,” the post read. “AISA is truly a family and we will stand in the gap in prayer for his friends, loved ones, and the entire MAS student body in the days and weeks ahead.” The school changed its Facebook profile picture to a red and yellow ribbon.

Morgan played Southern Academy and Caden, a 16-year-old junior, was injured in the third quarter and was airlifted to a Birmingham hospital.

“I want to thank all the schools and individuals who reached out during this difficult time,” Oliver said on the school’s Facebook page. “Caden will never be forgotten for who he was and what he means to Morgan Academy.”

His parents Arsella Slagel Tellier and Jamie Tellier posted on their Facebook pages Saturday night that Caden had passed away. He was an organ donor.

“Our boy, Caden Tellier, met Jesus face to face,” the post reads. “We appreciate all of your prayers and are praying for them for the difficult days ahead.

“All who know Caden have known kindness, generosity and love, and true to his nature, he is giving of himself once more. Lives have been touched by the way he lived, and now lives will be saved by his passing. We will walk beside him in his earthly body in the days ahead, knowing his spirit is rejoicing in heaven.”

The message stated that a service would be held soon.

A GoFundMe has been set up, organized by Kristen Jones of Selma. As of 6 p.m. Sunday, more than $67,000 had been raised of the $75,000 goal, with more than 500 donations.

Morgan has suspended all sports activities, including practices and games, for this week, the Selma Times-Journal reported. The outlet cited a message sent to Morgan’s families.

“We are planning to have school on Monday,” the post reads. “We have made arrangements to have multiple chaplains on campus to help students in a variety of ways. If you feel the need to be with your student outside of school, please do so. Mondays will look different for us, but our goal is to provide a place where students can feel safe and loved.”

Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Marty Roney at [email protected].