CNN
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An Alabama community is mourning the death of a high school quarterback who suffered a brain injury during the school’s season-opening game Friday night, according to statements from school officials and the teen’s family.

Caden Tellier was hospitalized in critical condition after suffering a head injury during John T. Morgan Academy’s game against Southern Academy, officials said Friday night. His death was announced the next day.

Tellier was 16 years old, reported CNN affiliate WSFA. He suffered a brain injury, as Michael McLendon, executive director of the Alabama Independent School Association, said in a social media post. Authorities did not release details about Tellier’s injury.

“Our boy, Caden Tellier, has met Jesus face to face,” Tellier’s parents said in a statement Saturday. “Everyone who knows Caden has experienced kindness, generosity and love, and true to his nature, he gives of himself once again.”

“His life touched many lives and through his death, lives will now be saved.”

Bryan Oliver, head of school at Morgan Academy, called Tellier a shining light that graced the halls of the private school in Selma, Alabama.

“He was a student, a friend, an athlete and most of all, a follower of Christ. There are no words to describe how we feel as a school community and family,” Oliver said in a statement posted on social media.

The Tellier family said a church service is planned soon. The Morgan Academy administration has suspended all school activities for this week, according to the school district.