A high school football player lost his life in an early saturday morning vehicle accident.
Brayden Ray, 15, was murdered at 12:30 in the morning when his automobile went off the road near the Waterford community on Highway 70 and collided with some trees, as reported by the Shelby County Coroner’s Office and the Calera Police Department.
Ray was pronounced dead at the scene.
The school implemented its “crisis response plan,” which includes meeting with the football team, which happened during practice Monday morning, the school district said.
Ray was No. 29 on the football team and was a sophomore wide receiver, according to the school’s football roster.
Counseling services were available for players and coaches and will be available for students at school on Tuesday.
“We are all saddened by the loss of Brayden Ray. He was a young, bright talent within our school,” said Principal Chris Myles in a statement. “This has been a difficult time for our close knit community. We will continue to have counseling services available to our students, faculty and staff.”
Brayden’s family shared pictures of the sophomore with WVTM 13. They tell us, “He was a great athlete and a sweetheart. He always greeted those he loved with a hug and smile. He loved his friends and family very much.”
