A high school football player has tragically died in a house fire. As reported by People, Jaiden Odom of Baptist Hill High School in South Carolina was just 15 years old.
The Charleston County coroner, in conjunction with St. Paul's Fire District, confirmed that 15-year-old Odom tragically passed away on Tuesday, August 25. This comes after he was pulled out of a house fire at a home in Hollywood, South Carolina.
Firefighters had responded to reports of a house fire at around 12:30 am, where they found Odom, according to Fire Chief Truss Johnson.
His family has started a fundraiser following the football player's tragic death entitled "Stand With Jaiden's Family Through Grief and Recovery".
The description of the fundraiser begins, "Our family is facing a tragedy no family should ever have to endure. In the wake of a devastating loss, they have lost not only their home and belongings, but, most painfully, their beloved oldest son, Jaiden."
"They are now facing the overwhelming reality of grieving a child while also trying to rebuild their lives from what little they have left. The emotional and financial weight of losing someone they love so deeply is impossible to put into words."
The fundraiser continued, "We are asking for help so this family can have the time and support they need to grieve without the added burden of wondering how they will afford the necessities of daily life."
They clarified that the fundraiser for the football player will go toward "funeral costs, immediate living expenses," and "helping the family," among other things.
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The High School Also Released a Touching Statement
The Baptist Hill High School's Athletics Department also shared a touching and personal statement. "We will miss your laughter, your jokes, and especially your Linemen's Challenge trash talk about who you could pancake next," they wrote.
"Those are the moments and memories that will keep your spirit with us. The field and sidelines won't be the same without you, but your impact will remain. We send our deepest love, prayers, and strength to Jaiden's family, teammates, coaches, friends, and everyone who loved him."
May he rest in peace.
