A West Virginia community is in mourning after Cohen Craddock, a 13-year-old middle school football player, died following a routine practice. Now, his father, Ryan Craddock, speaks out in hopes that this tragedy never repeats itself.
Cohen Craddock, an 8th-grade student at Madison Middle School in Boone County, West Virginia, tragically lost his life on Saturday, August 24, 2024. The young boy was hurt during a football practice on Friday.
Despite being rushed to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries 24 hours later. The loss has left the town and others in shock. People from all over have shown support for the Craddock family and raised questions about safety in youth sports.
Joseph Smith, Executive Director of the Boone County Ambulance Authority, verified that emergency medical personnel were dispatched to the school to attend to the trauma.
Boone County Superintendent Matthew Riggs conveyed the community’s profound sorrow in a statement. He said that all the schools in their county were mourning the promising young athlete, who was loved by everyone. The Boone County WV Sheriff’s office posted their condolences as well on Facebook.
Shann Elkins, the principal of Madison Middle School, fondly remembered Cohen as “a wonderful, polite, and smart young man who was an integral part of our school family.”
What’s more, there’s been an outpouring of supportive messages from other schools in the area, like Roane County High School. They asked their Facebook followers to wear red on Monday, August 26 in Cohen’s honor. “We know as a family what that feels like and what the support from people across the state, country, and from around the world did for us,” the school posted.
The superintendent announced that several systems would be in place that day to help students, athletes, faculty, and staff at Madison Middle School through this difficult time.
Meanwhile, Ryan Craddock, Cohen’s father, is taking action by advocating for more safety measures in football. He aims to prevent other families from experiencing similar heartache.
He described his son as a boy with a heart of gold and a love for the camaraderie of football. “He liked the social gathering part, just making buddies,” Ryan recalled. This was Cohen’s second year as part of the team.
The middle schooler was playing defense during practice when he was hit and knocked down. This resulted in a head injury that caused brain bleeding and swelling. The lack of oxygen ultimately led to his death.
“You’re in disbelief,” Ryan revealed. “You wish it was a bad dream you could wake up from. It’s agony inside. I can’t put words to. It’s terrible.” In response to this tragedy, he plans to work towards getting Guardian Caps for other players. This equipment provides an extra layer of protection for their heads.
“I want to take the loss of my boy to try to protect the other guys,” Ryan explained. “I don’t want anybody else to go through what we are going through currently.” He also reminded all parents to “hug their children.”
Several of Cohen’s other family members and loved ones posted messages on social media. Right after the incident, his grandmother, Sherry Beth Bias Conley, kept friends and family updated on Facebook. She also asked for prayers during the critical hours and later thanked everyone who had sent their kind words.
Furthermore, Rachel Marie Hale, who taught Cohen in kindergarten and second grade, wrote, “He has always been so special to my family! My heart is broken for our community, our Nehlen, and their friends, and especially Cohen’s family. We love ya big, big guy!!! I’m going to miss those big squeezes [sic]!”
Anna Marie Hudson, another former teacher, remembered Cohen’s impact on her family. “He’s very special to my family! I had him in preschool, my daughter had him in Kindergarten and 2nd grade, and my husband had him in 5th grade,” she shared.
Cohen’s positive influence extended beyond school and extracurricular activities. Aside from being a football player, he often helped out with his uncle Josh Craddock’s business, Craddock Produce. The shop’s Facebook account posted a message after his passing:
“As many of you know by now my nephew Cohen was injured at football practice friday evening that resulted in him passing away on Saturday. If you don’t care please say a prayer for my family, our little small town community, Cohen’s classmates, his football team and coaches, and anyone else that had the opportunity to know him.”
It’s clear that the death of Cohen has left an indelible mark on too many people, Hopefully, serious measures will be taken to prevent this tragedy from happening ever again, especially at a football game or practice.
To the Craddock family and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss, please accept our deepest condolences. May the abundance of love and support from the people around you provide some comfort during this incredibly difficult time.