Fleming Island football player passes away after collapse; tribute planned

THURSDAY UPDATE

It is with a heavy heart to update this story that Ben Johnson passed away earlier this afternoon at Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville. We send our thoughts and prayers to those in the Fleming Island High School community in this period of mourning

Sad news: Wolfson Children's Hospital confirms death of Fleming Island athlete Ben Johnson. He went in Tuesday after collapsing at school.

— Justin Barney (@JustinBarneyTV) September 21, 2017

Not the news everyone was expecting at all. Hearts and thoughts go out to @FIEagleSports in this time of mourning. #flhsfb https://t.co/fpug5iTX7C

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) September 21, 2017

The #FHSAA family mourns the loss of @FIEagleSports student-athlete Ben Johnson. Please keep his family in your thoughts.

Wear blue Friday! pic.twitter.com/pDVoMHulqB

— FHSAA (@FHSAA) September 21, 2017

https://twitter.com/Clay_Crazies/status/910462315568525312

Original story

FLEMING ISLAND, Fla. — Friends and family are currently praying for a Fleming Island High School sophomore football player who collapsed Tuesday afternoon in the school’s weight room.

According to the Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville, the Clay County School District released a statement regarding the incident but cited privacy concerns for not releasing the name of the football player involved.

However, by early Wednesday afternoon, it was revealed that the student, Ben Johnson, was the one who the Clay County community was showing support for after his family released a statement via WJAX-TV in Jacksonville.

Justin Barney of the Florida Times-Union reported that this Friday’s upcoming game between Fleming Island (4-0, 1-0 District 7A-3) at Ridgeview (4-0, 1-0 District 5A-5) would include an honor for Johnson.

1) Ridgeview AD John Sgromolo says school will honor Fleming Island’s Ben Johnson before Friday game, paint his No. 77 on field.

— Justin Barney (@JustinBarneyTV) September 20, 2017

2) School wants to honor Johnson, who collapsed at school Tuesday & remains hospitalized, & acknowledge pain Fleming student body going thru

— Justin Barney (@JustinBarneyTV) September 20, 2017

According to the Florida Times-Union report, practices for all of the football teams were canceled for the day after Johnson collapsed, while players and the community showed outgoing support.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ben Johnson, his family, and the entire Fleming Island community.

— Clay High Athletics (@Clay_Athletics) September 19, 2017

https://twitter.com/rawerecruits/status/910521590173114368

RIP Ben Johnson… we lost a part of family today and for that you always be in my prayers. God has you now #77

— Jackson Bull (@JacksonBull3) September 19, 2017

Our hearts go out to the @FIEagleSports Community during this tough time. Godspeed to all of you! #flhsfb https://t.co/3B8XVVt6Av

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) September 20, 2017