High School Player Dies

A high school football player died Monday at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, four days after his neck was broken during a game.

Anthony Brown, 16, a junior running back, was injured while he was carrying the ball Thursday night during Malvern High’s 21-14 loss at Arkadelphia. He walked off the field with help from his teammates and was taken to Children’s Hospital.

“He had been on life support before his death,” county coroner Mark Malcolm said. “After arriving at Children’s, he suffered three separate strokes.”

Said Coach David Alpe: “The doctor told me that he had suffered a neck injury and had a stroke when he arrived at Children’s Hospital. He had feeling in his arms and legs when he left the field.

“He was one of the hardest working players that we have. It’s such a shame. His accident was so freakish.”