the sports section

New York High School Football Player Dies After Helmet-to-Helmet Hit

Damon Janes. Photo: Janes Family

Sixteen-year-old Damon Janes lost consciousness during a high school football game on Friday night after receiving a helmet-to-helmet hit. Three days later, as the Western New York community of Westfield was praying for his recovery, he died. The death comes at a time of increased awareness of the long-term damage that can result from playing the game and speculation about whether high school football is even sustainable as a sport. Between 2003 and 2012, 25 high schoolers died while playing football. 

High Schooler Dies After Helmet-to-Helmet Hit