Father reveals more details in death of West Virginia 13-year-old football player

BOONE COUNTY, WV (WOWK) — The father of 13-year-old Cohen Craddock, who died after being injured during football practice , has revealed more information on his death.

Ryan Craddock told 7News news partner 13 News that his son was in his second year playing football for Madison Middle School.

On Friday evening, Cohen was practicing as a defensive lineman when he went for a tackle and took a bad hit to his head, according to his father.

He said Cohen got back up, took a couple of steps, and went unconscious; he wouldn’t gain consciousness again, his father told 13 News. In the ambulance, it was found he had low oxygen levels and his brain was swelling.

Cohen would pass away at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday.

“He was Mr. Personality,” Ryan Craddock said. “He liked to joke, he liked to make you smile. Even if he was feeling bad, he wanted to make you feel good. He was that type of person. Just a big heart; big teddy bear.”

There has been an outpouring of support from the community since Cohen’s death. Boone County Schools Superintendent Matt Riggs said in part, “As our thoughts and prayers go out to Cohen’s family, we would ask that same from the community in that his family may find healing, comfort, protection, and strength.”

Superintendent Riggs said on Saturday that additional support and services will be available for students, staff and athletes starting on Monday.

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