NEW KENT, Va. (WTVR)--New Kent High School sophomore Jacob Vick, a starting linebacker on the Trojans' football team, died Tuesday evening after an earlier collapse on the field, his coach Dan Rounds confirmed.
Rounds, New Kent varsity football coach, confirmed that Vick collapsed during practice. He said that Vick “seemed fine” on Tuesday. Rounds said that Vick collapsed to the ground during the team drills.
Vick was med-flighted to VCU Medical, and Rounds said Vick seemed in stable condition at that time. He was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Rounds told a Daily Press reporter that Vick had sustained a concussion this season and had sat out a Friday game against Lafayette, even though he had been given medical clearance.
“It’s been such a long night and I have no comment right now other than he will be crazy missed,” Round said. He added that he had worked with Vick for two years and he said Vick “had a lot in front of him.”
Dr. Rick Richardson, Superintendent of New Kent County Schools, released a statement that read in part:
"On behalf of the New Kent School Board and school community, I offer my sincerest condolences to the family of our New Kent student. We can only imagine the extent of the grief they are experiencing through this very tragic loss."
A crisis team is at New Kent High Wednesday to help students and staff grieve. Jacob Vick's family is requesting privacy at this time.
According to his coach, Vick was a “standout young guy,” and he was a varsity starter, even as a sophomore. He played significantly as a freshman, Rounds said, and was awarded Freshman of the Year.
Rounds said his number one priority is to support and to connect with his team during this rough time. Rounds told the Daily Press that Vick was more than just a good player, “he was a great kid.”
Vick was also an honor student. His GPA is listed as 3.7.
Luanne Frazier, a parent of two New Kent High students, said the student body is taking the news hard. Her daughter said some students have requested to leave school for the day.
Frazier described the mood of many students as obviously glum, and said they want to "Go home and have some time to think about things without having to deal with school, and just be with their friends and have some camaraderie."
Tuesday night a private vigil was held at the Corinth Baptist Church. CBS 6 spoke with Melanie Hitchcock, whose son played baseball with Vick.
"He's a terrific kid and he will be a tremendous loss," she said. She said that the vigil was also a way to show support for Vick's extended family--his class and his teammates.
"Ee as parents and the community are here for them. It's a tough thing in life and we have to support them,"Hitchcock said.
