LAKE CITY, Fla. —
Donteria J. (DJ) Searcy, a junior on the 2011 Fitzgerald High football team, died Tuesday during the team's camp at O'Leno State Park in Columbia County, Fla.
Searcy had participated in a morning practice with his teammates. At approximately 11:15 a.m. he was found unresponsive in his cabin at the park. An ambulance transported Searcy to the Lake City (Fla.) Medical Center. EMTs and emergency room physicians attempted to revive him, but were unsuccessful.
Ben Hill County School Superintendent Nancy P. Whiddon issued the following statement.
“Ben Hill County Schools and the Fitzgerald Hurricanes suffered the most devastating loss of the year today. The season has not begun but the team, coaches and staff are reeling from the passing of D.J. Searcy, an 11th grade student at Fitzgerald High School. D.J., a defensive lineman with the Hurricanes, was attending football camp near Lake City, Fla., this week.
“After an unnamed player advised one of the coaches that there was a problem with D.J. who was located in his room in the assigned cabin, D.J. was transported to the hospital where he later passed away at 12:43 p.m. today, Aug. 8, 2011.
“The cause of death is unknown at this time, but the body will be transported to the Medical Examiner's Office in Jacksonville, Fla.
“Numerous administrators, teachers and coaches describe D.J. as a ‘great kid.' He was a good student with a positive attitude who was always smiling. He was an outstanding athlete, a favorite of students and staff. The school, friends and family will miss the smiling face of this beloved young man.
“Deepest sympathy is extended to the family, friends, and staff who were impacted by his young life. The team will be returning later this afternoon. Counselors from all Ben Hill County Schools will be available to students. Appreciation is extended to all the surrounding school districts who have offered their counseling services and condolences through calls and emails.
“As Bobby Connor, Superintendent of rival Irwin County expressed, ‘We might be rivals across the field in competition, but in situations like this we are pulling together with support for your community.’
“God bless the family of D.J. Searcy during their time of loss. Our prayers are with you all.”
As the superintendent stated, Ben Hill County deputies went to the park Tuesday to escort the team back to Fitzgerald. While the team waited to return, grief counselors with the Columbia County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office visited with players and coaches.
The squad arrived back around 7 p.m. Coaches and administrators could not be reached for comment.
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