Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Sarah Dallof reportingLayton High School is mourning the unexpected death of a student and football player. "It's devastating. I'm totally in shock," the teen's coach said.
Kade Cooper, 16, died during a football scrimmage at the Weber County Fairgrounds this afternoon.
There were a lot of tears Saturday night at a candlelight vigil at Layton High. Hundreds of people gathered there after learning of Kade's death.
He was a wide receiver at Layton High. He was at a scrimmage this afternoon when, according to witnesses, he caught a pass, started to run back to the huddle, then suddenly collapsed and went into a seizure. He was taken to McKay-Dee Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Kade is being remembered as a hard-working, friendly guy, who was a pleasure to coach and be around.
Sophomore football coach Steve Batchelor said, "He was always very respectful and polite and was just a solid kid."
Kade's friend Damon Nebeker said, "He never gave up. He had the most heart of any player I've known."
Kade also played baseball at Layton High. He would have returned to the school as a junior this fall.
No word yet on why he died. Coaches and friends say they weren't aware of any health problems.
E-mail: sdallof@ksl.com
