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The incident

According to Boone County law enforcement officials, the injury occurred during a practice drill when Craddock collided with another player. Craddock, who wore jersey number 75 for the Madison Middle School Red Hawks, died the next day. Officials said he was wearing a helmet when the incident occurred.

Community response

The news of Craddock’s death has affected the Madison community and beyond.

On Monday, students, staff and teachers throughout the Boone County School System wore red in tribute to Craddock and the Madison Middle School Red Hawks.

The Boone County Sheriff’s Department expressed condolences in a , describing Craddock as a “bright young athlete.� Boone Memorial Health also acknowledged the community’s loss in a and encouraged employees to wear red and black in honor of Craddock.

Football teams from across the state, including and , offered prayers and support on their social media pages for Craddock’s family and the Madison community.

School and official statements

Boone County Schools Superintendent Matt Riggs issued a statement mourning the loss of Craddock.

“As a Redhawk, Cohen was loved by his classmates, his teachers, his administrators, and the entire Madison Middle School staff. Cohen was also a member and leader of the Redhawks’ Football Team,� Riggs said.

Riggs continued, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Cohen’s family, friends, teammates, classmates, and the entire MMS staff. As our thoughts and prayers go out to Cohen’s family, we would ask that same from the community in that his family may find healing, comfort, protection and strength.�

Madison Middle School Principal Shann Elkins thanked the community for their support, saying, “Cohen was a wonderful, polite, and smart young man who was an important part of our school family. He was a teammate, classmate, and friend to many.�

“We choose to remember his hard work and dedication to teammates. His devotion and loyalty to friends but most importantly to remember he was a great person, from a great family, in our great community. Our love, prayers and support go out to his family at the most difficult of times. May God bless and keep everyone affected,� Elkins said.

The West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission also expressed their condolences to the Craddock family and the Madison community.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Cohen Craddock. Our hearts go out to Cohen’s family, friends, and the entire community during this incredibly difficult time. The WVSSAC extends its condolences to the Craddock family and the Madison community as they navigate through this profound loss,� WVSSAC director David Price said in a statement on social media.

Support for students and staff

In his statement, Riggs announced that additional support staff would be available at Madison Middle School starting Monday to help students, student-athletes, faculty and staff cope with the loss.