Tragedy on the Field

Port St. Joe’s Running Back Passed Away on the Field

Photo by Alessandro Chitarrini on Unsplash

Highschool football is a classic American tradition that is normally full of excitement. However, this American pastime on Friday, Sept. 6 took a tragic turn. 

Just under a two-hour drive from Maclay, the Port St. Joe football team traveled to Liberty County High School on Sept. 6, looking for their first win of the season. The game started off without any complications. The Port St. Joe Tiger Sharks came out hot, quickly scoring two touchdowns. One touchdown came from senior running back Chance Gainer as he took a 79 yard handoff for six points. 

During the second quarter, the Tiger Sharks, including Gainer, continued their dominance on both offense and defense. By halftime, the Tiger Sharks were in complete control of the game. However, the game took an unexpected turn in the second half when Gainer suddenly collapsed on a non-contact play; the medical staff sprinted to him. Laying face down on the field, Gainer was in cardiac arrest, unresponsive to the medical staff, attempting every method to find a pulse.

“As a fellow player, it hurts all of us,” junior Manny Arisso said. “It really shows how risky the sport is.”

Players and staff watched in horror as paramedics performed CPR; Gainer showed no signs of movement. He was rushed to the hospital where he tragically passed away at just 18 years old. 

“It's very sad to see since I play football,” sophomore Drew Lamendola said. “We're all praying for them [family and friends] as a team [Maclay].”

Gainer was an honor roll student with hopes of attending Vanderbilt University, which he visited a couple weeks prior. He was a remarkable athlete, a beloved teammate and an overall exceptional young man. A service was held on Saturday, Sept. 14 to remember and honor his memories and legacy. 

“It’s sad to see something like that locally and during the sport that we love,” senior Ryder Marks said. “He was a great player, and I pray for his family and friends.”