Georgia Tech Football Prospect Bryce Gowdy Killed by Train a Week Before Starting School
Georgia Tech recruit Bryce Gowdy, on left, was killed by a freight train a week before he was slated to start school.
(IBEXNews) - The college football world is mourning the death of Georgia Tech recruit Bryce “Simba” Gowdy, who was killed by a freight train a week before he was slated to start school.
He was 17.
He was struck at about 4 a.m. Monday, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, citing the Broward Sheriff’s Office. He was already packed for Atlanta, and just a day or two before had posted his last tweet, all stoked about his new journey – though an uncle told the Sun-Sentinel he was also nervous.
Gowdy had graduated high school a semester early in order to start college – and playing – as soon as possible, reported CNN, citing Georgia Tech.
He had signed with the Yellow Jackets earlier in December, a four-star recruit out of Deerfield Beach High School in Florida, reported ESPN. He was considered one of the top-rated incoming players to the school, in a class ranked 25th in the country, ESPN said.
“Our entire Georgia Tech football family is devastated by the news of Bryce’s passing,” Georgia Tech said in a statement. “Bryce was an outstanding young man with a very bright future. He was a great friend to many, including many of our current and incoming team members.”
Coach Geoff Collins tweeted his grief.
“We are heartbroken,” Collins wrote. “Bryce will always be a part of our Georgia Tech Football Family. We will be praying for him and all those who love him.”
The Sun-Sentinel described a “standout wide receiver and defensive back for the Bucks,” a varsity starter for four years, as well as a Sentinel Super 11 pick and a highly rated prospect.
“Before the state semifinal game against Miami Columbus, Gowdy had 12 catches for 97 yards and three scores on offense and 15 tackles and an interception on defense,” the Sun-Sentinel reported.
He was also a team leader, associates told the newspaper, great at galvanizing his teammates.
The Deerfield Beach football team had but one word to tweet: “HEARTBROKEN.”
Condolences are pouring in from throughout the football world, from the Florida high school football community to the Miami Hurricanes and Florida State. Authorities are investigating, the Sun-Sentinel said.
