Greenville mayor releases statement following high school football player’s death

Greenville High School’s Jeremiah Williams died one week after he fractured his neck in a game against Madison Central

By Waverly McCarthy | November 9, 2018 at 4:16 PM CST - Updated November 9 at 11:37 PM

JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - Jeremiah Williams, a junior defensive back for Greenville High School, died Friday, a week after he broke his C1 and C4 vertebrae in a game against Madison Central.

Greenville coach Sherrod Gideon tells WLBT that Williams was injured attempting to make a tackle.

CPR was performed on the field and Williams was airlifted to UMMC.

The Madison Central Jaguars will honor Williams with a helmet sticker during Friday night’s game.

Tonight we honor Greenville High School’s Jeremiah Williams. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Jeremiah, his family and the entire Greenville community. #WeAre1 💛💙 pic.twitter.com/aqrtLcVYJT
— MC Jags (@MC_BIGBLUE) November 9, 2018

Governor Phil Bryant also commented on the heartbreaking news on Twitter.

Deborah and I are saddened to hear of the passing of Jeremiah. Please keep his family, friends, teammates, and community in your prayers during this difficult time. He now walks the streets of glory. https://t.co/fSnctWygot
— Phil Bryant (@PhilBryantMS) November 9, 2018

Errick Simmons, Mayor of Greenville, released a statement on Facebook mourning the loss of Jeremiah.

Immediate Release 11-9-18 Statement of Mayor Errick D. Simmons Our hearts are broken for the loss of God’s chosen...
Posted by City of Greenville, Mississippi - Government on Friday, November 9, 2018