JUST NOW: Alabama football player, 14, dies after collapsing mid-practice in…

A 14-year-old high school football player in Alabama tragically died this week after collapsing during a sweltering practice session.

The player, identified by Coffee County Coroner Arnold Woodham as Semaj Wilkins, was a freshman at New Brockton High School, according to WDHN.com. The local school has confirmed his identity.

“I urge the community to keep his family, teammates, coaches, and everyone affected by this tragic loss in their thoughts and prayers,” Woodham said in a statement.

According to Woodham, Wilkins experienced a medical emergency at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, when the area was under a level-3 heat risk, categorized as high. Local temperatures were around 100 degrees at 4 p.m., as reported by the station.

Players have defended the school’s heat protocols in discussions with WDHN.

The school has provided a crisis response team for students, which includes pastors and counselors.

“Our hearts are broken for the family’s loss, and our prayers are with them as they mourn,” stated the Coffee County School in a statement.

Both the local District Attorney’s office and the Sheriff’s department are investigating the incident.

“This is a very emotional time for the family and the emergency responders involved,” said Coroner Woodham. “Please respect and pray for the family during this difficult period.”

U.S. Representative Barry Moore, a Coffee County native, expressed his grief alongside other community members on social media.

<div  id='HB_Footer_Close_hbagency_space_105030'>
 <div id='HB_CLOSE_hbagency_space_105030'></div>
 <div id='HB_OUTER_hbagency_space_105030'>
<div id='hbagency_space_105030'></div>
 </div></div>