A Winnipeg high school football player has died after suffering a severe neck injury in a game earlier this month.
Darius Hartshorne underwent emergency surgery, requiring a spinal fusion and decompression of his vertebrae, after an awkward collision on Oct. 17.
The Grade 12 student was a lineman for the Sisler Spartans. He was rushed from the game against the Tec Voc Hornets to Health Sciences Centre and placed in intensive care.
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Sisler Spartans lineman Darius Hartshorne, 17, died after he was injured in a game on Oct. 17.
Doctors believed Hartshorne would be paralyzed from the neck down.
“Our hearts are heavy today, but there is comfort in knowing that Dee is no longer suffering,” Stephanie Ciaralli, who was raising Hartshorne, posted on Facebook on Thursday.
“God called him home far too soon, but his memory and spirit will forever live on in each of us whose lives he touched.”
Ciaralli mentioned Hartshorne’s “vibrant personality,” humour and “boundless kindness.”
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He turned 17 Saturday.
The Winnipeg School Division extended its condolences in a news release. Clinical supports will be available at school for teammates, staff members and students, the release states.
A GoFundMe to help the Ciarallis with costs — including hospital parking, travel and future expenses — has raised more than $50,000.
Hartshorne volunteered with the North Winnipeg Nomads Football Club. He coached younger players and prepared food for home games, among other duties.
fpcity@freepress.mb.ca
