Caleb White, an Alabama high school basketball star, has died after he reportedly collapsed during a workout at school.
The 17-year-old was pronounced dead at a local hospital Thursday, according to multiple reports.
White was a three-star prospect and averaged 20.9 points, 3.1 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game.
The cause of death is currently unknown, however AL.com reports an autopsy will be performed Friday to determine it.
White was said to have collapsed during a workout with his team at Pinson Valley High School Thursday before he was taken to St. Vincent’s East hospital in Birmingham, Alabama.
His grandfather George Varnadoe Jr. posted a touching tribute on Facebook following the news.
‘Caleb was an honor student, very respectful, high intellect, excellent role model, phenomenal basketball player, ranked 25th best point guard in his class in the nation and No. 2 in the state of Alabama. RIP Caleb. I love you man.’
The school’s principal Michael Turner released a statement shared with parents after the tragedy.
‘I unfortunately have some very sad news to report tonight,’ Turner wrote. ‘One of our senior students suffered a medical emergency at school today. Life saving efforts were immediately started and first responders were called.
‘Sadly, the student was later pronounced deceased after being transported to the hospital. Out of respect for the family, we are not releasing the name of the student at this time,’ he said.
‘We will have more to say in the near future. Please know counseling resources will be available for anyone who needs them in the coming days. Please keep the student’s family and our school in your prayers.’
The senior was a first-team All-State player and played in the North-South All-Star Game last month.
Pinson mayor Joe Cochran shared a heartfelt tribute to White on the City of Pinson Alabama Facebook page.
Heartbroken,’ Cochran wrote. ‘No words can be gathered to provide comfort to a family and community experiencing the loss of young life.
‘Please lift Caleb’s family and friends along with the entire PVHS community in prayer for the hours, weeks, months and years ahead.
‘I was honored to know Caleb personally and loved the spirit he carried. Life is fleeting, enjoy every day as the treasure it is, I know Caleb did.
White’s friend, Arnold Thomas spoke with ABC 33/40 in Birmingham Thursday, expressing his sadness and love for the 17-year-old.
‘Today was just heartbreaking. I can’t even put words into it,’ he said. ‘Just to see him doing what he was doing, was amazing.
‘Caleb is an amazing person. His parents did a wonderful job raising him. All I can say is, long live Caleb and I hope his parents can make it through it.’
Fellow Pinson Valley senior Richele Crawford also told the station of the greatness White possessed.
‘He was a phenomenal player,’ she said. ‘Every time I did watch him, I was mesmerized. He was fun to watch all the time.
‘He was just always smiling and laughing… I will forever remember him on and off the court.’
Big question was he given the COVID poison jab?
I think all athelitic were required to take the vivid shot.
All jabbed up I’m sure.
All the dummies that put that poison into their kids should rot in jail.
I’m sure we will never hear what the autopsy report says. 🙁