CHS student collapses during football practice, dies at CMS
Inverness, Florida - Antonio Elijah Hicks, 16, a student at Citrus High School (CHS) in Inverness, FL, collapsed during a CHS Hurricanes football practice, about 4:40 pm, Tuesday afternoon, September 28, and was transported by Nature Coast EMS to Citrus Memorial Hospital where he passed away.
CHS Principal Laura Mason released a statement, Tuesday night, on the school's Twitter account and Facebook page, "We have suffered a great loss tonight, and the pain we all feel is immeasurable. We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of one of our student athletes earlier this evening during football practice. Our heartfelt condolences are with the student's family and the entire Hurricane community. We will provide counseling, support and services for our students and staff in the days and weeks ahead."
The Citrus County School District’s Crisis Team arrived at Citrus High School on Wednesday and wil be there for throughout the remainder of the week to provide counseling, assistance and support as needed. On Wednesday, the school district announced that the JV football game against Crystal River for Wednesday night and the football game against Leesburg for Friday night have both been canceled.
On Friday night, October 1, at 6:00 pm, a candlelight vigil will be held for Mr. Hicks at Cornerstone Baptist Church, located at 1100 W. Highland Blvd. in Inverness, FL.
Zeb Bishop, defensive line coach for Citrus High School, created a GoFundMe page, entitled "Honor Antonio's Memory," that makes this statement: "This is a campaign created to help Antonio's family. As many of you may know, Antonio went home to be with Jesus on September 28th. He was a kid that had an infectious laugh and could light up a room with his smile. This fund is being set up to help his family in whatever way we can. Everything will go to his mom to use in whatever way she needs. Our community is certainly at a loss without Antonio in it. If we all do something, we can make a difference for this young man's family." To donate, please click here: gofund.me/681861e1.