In a heartbreaking turn of events, a 17-year-old basketball prodigy has lost his life after collapsing during a team workout. Caleb White, a rising star from Pinson Valley High School in Alabama, tragically passed away on Thursday during a workout session with his team.
Having garnered recognition as a first-team all-state pick during his junior season, Caleb White’s potential on the court was undeniable. Notably, he held an impressive national ranking of 25th among point guards and secured the second spot in Alabama, as proudly noted by his grandfather, George Varnadoe Jr.
The unfortunate incident unfolded at 1:12 p.m. on Thursday when White collapsed. Prompt life-saving measures were administered until paramedics arrived at the scene. Sadly, despite all efforts, he was declared deceased just over an hour later upon arrival at a nearby hospital.
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In a released statement, Alvin Briggs, the Executive Director of the AHSAA, expressed condolences, saying, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Caleb’s family, his classmates and basketball team and extended school family. He was an outstanding student-athlete and role model.”
The news struck a chord with the community, with Pinson Mayor Joe Cochran sharing his grief on Facebook, writing, “Heartbroken. No words can be gathered to provide comfort to a family and community experiencing the loss of young life. I was honored to know Caleb personally and loved the spirit he carried. Life is fleeting. Enjoy every day as the treasure it is. I know Caleb did.”
George Varnadoe also added his sentiments, describing Caleb as a standout student with integrity, intelligence, and exceptional basketball prowess. Caleb White’s on-court statistics were truly remarkable, with an average of 20.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.9 steals.
Notably, he had maintained an impressive average of 17.3 points during his sophomore season. The community awaits the results of an autopsy, which is scheduled for Friday to shed light on the tragic incident.