Late May should be a celebratory time for high school seniors across the country, with the completion of a diploma on the horizon. However, two student-athletes from Deerfield Beach High School in Florida will not have a chance to use that time as intended.
Manny Navarro of the Miami Herald brings word that 19-year-old Taletrius Bradley passed away as a result of a single-car accident and his passenger, 17-year-old Demetrius Palmer is now "clinging to life" after the incident. Navarro spoke with Deerfield Beach football coach Jevon Glenn and he indicated the following on Palmer's battle for his life.
"He's still in critical condition. We're not in the clear yet, but he's showing signs of progress. He's got some head injuries, but they're continuing to do brain scans and so far they've been coming back good. But obviously with all the swelling and things they're going to keep him sedated so they can keep monitoring him.
"I could just tell from the wreck site, the car and just where Demetrius landed — how far away from the car — I knew it was bad."
Beyond that, Glenn reflected on Bradley's life and the fact that it was taken far too soon.
"TJ was just a great young man who had some obstacles earlier in his life and was taking all the necessary steps to overcome it. He was getting ready to graduate this week and go off to college next month. It's really hard to see life kind of be snatched away really at the beginning for him."
Hopefully, Palmer will be able to recover and lead a full life moving forward, but this is a tragic incident by any measure. Thoughts and prayers are with the families involved.
