MADISON, WV – At a West Virginia school, an eighth grader succumbed to injuries he suffered during a football practice. 13-year-old Cohen Craddock, a student at Madison Middle School, encountered a fatal head injury on Friday, leading to his unfortunate demise on Saturday, as confirmed by the Boone County Ambulance Authority.
Cohen’s father, Ryan Craddock, relayed the incident, stating that Cohen collided with other children during practice, falling and hitting his head. The injury led to brain swelling, resulting in his untimely passing.
Following the heartbreaking incident, Ryan seeks to advocate for better safety measures for young athletes. One of these measures includes lobbying for the use of Guardian Caps, a specialized helmet cover that offers additional head protection.
Ryan believes that if Cohen had worn the Guardian Cap, the outcome may have been different. Using their tragedy as a stepping stone, he aims to protect other children by promoting the use of these caps, hoping to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
In reminiscing on his lost child, Ryan describes Cohen as “Mr. Personality,” a child with a “heart of gold” who loved attending church and was adored by his peers and community. Cohen possessed a keen interest in technology and hoped to become a computer engineer.
Matthew Riggs, Boone County Schools Superintendent, echoed Ryan’s sentiments, expressing his deep sympathy for Cohen’s family and friends. The mournful situation extends beyond the local community, with neighboring counties also conveying their condolences.
Ryan, deeply moved by the outpouring of support, recognized that his son had touched many lives. Unfortunately, Cohen’s death adds to a rapidly growing list of tragedy among young athletes, especially football players. This month alone, multiple deaths from football-practice related incidents have been reported across the country.