High school football standout Andre Maloney died on Friday after suffering a stroke during a game on Thursday evening near Kansas City, Mo., according to the Kansas City Star and various reports.
The 17-year-old senior wide receiver starred for Shawnee Mission West High School and had scored a touchdown against Leavenworth West shortly before collapsing on the sideline, reported WDAF-TV in Kansas City. He was taken from the field in an ambulance. Karla Montoya, Maloney’s cousin, told the Kansas City Star that doctors at Research Medical Center discovered a blood clot in his brain but could not remove it during surgery.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Andre's family, teammates, coaches, fellow students, and the SM West staff during this difficult time," Shawnee Mission School District spokesperson Leigh Anne Neal said in a statement obtained by ESPN. "The tremendous outpouring of concern expressed today by the our community has been greatly appreciated. We will continue to honor the family's request this time to respect their privacy."
Maloney had verbally committed to play at the University of Kansas, according to The Associated Press. Jayhawks football coach Charlie Weis shared his condolences via Twitter on Friday night.
We are absolutely devastated by the news of the passing of Andre Maloney. Our hearts are broken at the loss of such an outstanding young man
— Coach Charlie Weis (@CoachWeisKansas) October 4, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially his mother, Rosalita.
— Coach Charlie Weis (@CoachWeisKansas) October 4, 2013
We would like to extend our sincerest condolences to Tim Callaghan, the Shawnee Mission West program & the student body as they deal w/loss
— Coach Charlie Weis (@CoachWeisKansas) October 4, 2013
We knew from the moment we met Andre just how special he was and he will never be forgotten.
— Coach Charlie Weis (@CoachWeisKansas) October 4, 2013
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