14-year-old Pop Warner football player dies after collapsing during practice

BLOOMFIELD, Conn. (WFSB/Gray News) – Hundreds of members of a Connecticut community gathered for a vigil to honor a 14-year-old Pop Warner football player who died after collapsing during practice.

Jahkye Gayle, 14, was a member of the Bloomfield Junior Warhawks, a Pop Warner football team. He collapsed during a non-contact warmup at practice on Wednesday, according to Junior Warhawks Football President Trevor Ford.

“It was like a walk, basically just a light jog. Nothing strenuous or anything like that,” Ford said.

After collapsing, Jahkye was immediately treated by staff and emergency medical personnel at the scene, but he could not be revived, WFSB reports.

Hundreds of community members, including the 14-year-old’s teammates, friends and family, gathered at the soccer field Saturday night to honor his memory. They lit candles and released balloons into the sky.

“It’s hard to lose my brother, someone I shared a room with, did everything with and grew up with. “He was an overall great person who changed people with his presence,” said Lamar, Jahkye’s brother.

Jahkye was a talented soccer player who was known as a joker among his teammates. He was one of the longest-tenured players in the youth football program and was slated to receive the lifetime achievement award at this year’s banquet.

His mother, Stacey Haylett, spoke about the loss of her youngest child.

“Jahkye was my youngest, my baby… I don’t know what went wrong,” she said.

Jahkye’s football team will now dedicate the remainder of the season, including an upcoming appearance in the national championship, to the teenager.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help Jahkye’s family with funeral and other costs.

“Jahkye was a vibrant, talented and beloved son, friend and teammate whose light touched everyone around him. He was a proud member of the Bloomfield Jr. Warhawks, where his dedication, sportsmanship and love of the game inspired his teammates and coaches alike,” the fundraising page reads in part.

In response to the tragedy, the interim superintendent of Bloomfield Public Schools and the Bloomfield city manager issued a joint statement offering condolences and urging the community to support each other during this difficult time.

“We encourage all students, staff and families to ask for help and rely on each other for support and strength,” the statement said.

To assist with grief and emotional support, counseling services will be available at both Bloomfield High School and Carmen Arace School beginning Monday.

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