An investigation is underway to determine how a promising Alabama high school basketball star died unexpectedly while at practice.
The sports community is mourning the loss of Caleb White, who was ranked the 25th point guard in the nation, collapsed on Thursday during a team workout at Pinson Valley High School. White suffered a medical emergency of some kind shortly after 1:00 p.m. Those present attempted life-saving measures until paramedics arrived at the school. He was rushed to St. Vincent’s East Hospital in Birmingham, where he was tragically pronounced dead.
His family describes the 17-year-old as an honor student who respected all he encountered and was equally respected within his community. In addition to being a nationally recognized player, he’d been ranked No. 2 in Alabama. Pinson Valley principal Michael Turner confirmed his death to students and parents in a statement, offering counseling services to classmates who needed it.
“Please keep the student’s family and our school in your prayers,” he added.
White’s grandfather, George Varnadoe Jr., shared a touching social media post honoring his grandson. He expressed how proud his family was of White and how they were all rooting for him to begin his college career with dreams of a possible NBA opportunity. Unfortunately, it “wasn’t meant to be,” Varnadoe solemnly wrote.
An autopsy was performed on Friday, though the results have not yet been released.
