A high school football game turned tragic when a Florida athlete collapsed during playtime and later died. The incident has left the local residents in shock and mourning.
Chance Gainer, an 18-year-old student and star athlete at Port St. Joe High School, lost consciousness on the field while playing against Liberty County High School. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Gulf County School Superintendent Jim Norton shared that Gainer had no pulse when emergency responders first arrived but regained it before being rushed in an ambulance to get medical attention. Sadly, he passed after reaching the clinic.
Liberty County Athletic Director Tim Davis, present at the time, explained more of what happened after Gainer was taken away. “We got the news about an hour later that he had died. The game had about four minutes left in the fourth quarter and the decision was made to go ahead and finish it so the Port St. Joe coaches could inform the players together,” he said.
As expected, Gainer’s passing has devastated the Port St. Joe community, where he was not only known for his athletic talent but also for his kind and quiet demeanor. Norton described Gainer as an exceptional athlete and person, noting his “world-class speed” and even more remarkable personality.
The young athlete, who maintained a GPA above 4.0, had recently toured Vanderbilt University to explore college opportunities. “It’s the most heartbreaking situation imaginable,” Norton expressed in a statement on Saturday. He also asked everyone to keep Gainer’s parents and loved ones in their prayers.
Meanwhile, the Port St. Joe High School opened its doors on that same day to allow the community to gather and mourn Gainer’s passing. Grief counselors were brought in to help students, staff, and the football team cope with the loss. The upcoming football game against Blountstown, originally scheduled for next Friday, has been postponed until further notice.
When interviewed, many people had amazing things to say about Gainer. Principal Sissy Godwin described him as “a very sweet young man” whose smile could light up any room. Football coach Tanner Jones called him “feisty” and acknowledged his ability to “determine the outcome of games.”
His friend Kolten Johnson recalled the moment he learned of Gainer’s passing. He immediately knew “something was wrong” when his mother began crying. She told him the news after the game ended. Johnson also shared that Gainer was “an amazing football player, an amazing friend, a great kid to be around.”
Naturally, people reacted to the news on social media. The Florida High School Sports Athletic Association extended its sympathies and condolences to Gainer’s family, friends, and the people of Port St. Joe.
A user close to the community wrote, “No mother should have to bury their child I’m sending my deepest condolences and prayers to his family Rest Well Chance Gainer [sic].“
Many other users sent their prayers and also their concerns. Someone added, “It is heartbreaking. The safety of young athletes should be our primary concern in sports, and the fact that so many tragedies have occurred in quick succession has undoubtedly brought great shock and sadness to the entire community. It is heartbreaking for every young life that has passed away, as they have encountered such misfortune on the road to pursuing their dreams. 🙏🏻🙏🏻 🙏🏻🙏🏻[sic].“
To further demonstrate their support, the Gulf County School District has planned a series of events to honor Gainer. A local pizza place donated pizzas for Monday’s lunch to allow Gainer’s mother and his aunts time to mourn, as they have been part of the Port St. Joe Elementary Lunchroom for many years.
Furthermore, all schools in the district will be closed on Tuesday, and an open luncheon has been prepared for athletes and coaches from the area. Normal classes will resume on Wednesday. There are plans for another event on Saturday 14 called “Celebration of Life,” but the details haven’t been disclosed as of this writing.
Our deepest condolences go to the Gainer family and the Port St. Joe community in their time of mourning, and to all other football players who have lost their lives. RIP Chance Gainer.
