A star football player at one of the high schools collapsed Friday Night on the field and died Saturday.

J.H. Rose teen died from head injury

The Daily Reflector

Monday, September 22, 2008

A medical expert has determined that injuries suffered on the field killed a 16-year-old J.H. Rose High football running back.

Medical Examiner Dr. M.G.F. Gilliland completed her autopsy on Jaquan Waller by 3 p.m. Monday and determined the cause of death to be a “closed head injury due to sequential impacts during a contact sport.”

It was also ruled an accidental death.

Waller died Saturday at Pitt County Memorial Hospital after his family made the decision to remove him from life support.

During Friday's game against Wilmington Hoggard, Waller was hit at the line of scrimmage during a run up the middle before his collapse. He walked off the field under his own power.

Pitt County Schools spokeswoman Heather Mayo said a formal investigation into Waller's death is under way.

“This is based on the medical examiner's findings,” Mayo said. “Now based on what we have, we want to take a closer look at it. It is going to be a more formal investigation into procedures and protocol.”

Mayo said Waller had been injured during a practice Wednesday, but he was checked out by licensed school injury management specialist Bill Grimm that day and released to his parents.

Waller was examined again Thursday before practicing with the team and again Friday prior to the game, Mayo said.

Mayo said she is not aware of any statewide policies for handling injuries, although the North Carolina High School Athletic Association does provide a checklist for schools.

She said a Sport Concussion Assessment Tool was used to examine Waller. There was no medical evidence which suggested Waller suffered a concussion.

Students and staff at the high school Monday were still coping with the loss of Waller, according to Mayo. Mayo said counselors were available all day for students, some of whom were wearing signs in honor of Waller.

Banners were hung in the lecture hall and cafeteria for students to scribe messages for Waller's family. Some of the school's staff also wore small paper footballs with Waller's No. 23 on them, Mayo said.

“Everywhere you look, someone is paying tribute to him today,” Mayo said. “Every student responds differently so it is hard to tell how long the grieving process will be. We're trying to be sure we are prepared to offer support as long as they need it.”

The Rampants held a closed practice Monday afternoon.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

Mayo said donations are still being accepted for a family fund established to help with funeral and burial expenses. She said she was unsure of the amount raised thus far, but noted that officials at Hoggard also are collecting money and planning to contribute.

Local contributions in the form of a check should be made payable to the Pitt County Educational Foundation and sent to 1717 W. Fifth St., Greenville, NC 27834. Put “Jaquan Waller and Family” on the check memo line.