ZOARVILLE, Ohio — A Tuscarawas Valley High School freshman football player was left paralyzed Friday after making a tackle during a game, according to the Tuscarawas Valley Local School District.
Mayson White, 15, was playing football at Waynedale in Wayne County and fractured his C4, putting pressure on his spine, Superintendent Dr. Derek Varansky said in a Facebook post.
According to Varansky, Mayson's family confirmed he is paralyzed at this time, having some movement in his right arm but not his hands and nothing in his legs.
"We are keeping Mayson and his family circled in prayer, and we are praying for a miracle. We ask our community to do so as well," Varansky said. "Mayson is a strong young man, and we are rooting for him. The TV community is a special place, and his family, and our district, thank you for your ongoing support and care. We will continue to provide ongoing support to Mayson and his family in the days to come."
The superintendent said the school district's football teams, coaches and administration will meet with counselors to give support to the team and coaching staff. He added that anyone in need of counseling should not hesitate to reach out because the district will help cover costs if needed.
Mayson's family put together a GoFundMe to help his recovery journey. As of Monday evening, more than $33,000 had been raised.
Rebecca Congdon, a friend of the family, was among those in the stands in Apple Creek. Her son is a senior on the team, and so is Mayson's older brother.
"The Waynedale athlete I think was coming up with the ball and he hit his helmet, so it's just a true accident," Congdon said. "My heart sank. We prayed. We sat in the stands and we prayed. The kids got on one knee and all sat in a huddle, and you could see them praying with the coaches."
Mayson was taken to Akron Children's Hospital. Waynedale Athletic Director Erich Riebe was at the game and said what happened was heartbreaking.
"I've seen it on TV before, but in all my 40 to 50 years being around interscholastic athletics in Ohio, this would've been the first time that I had to witness that," Riebe said.
Congdon, who is the president of the Tusky Valley boosters, said that some of the proceeds from a new car that will be raffled off in December will go to the White family.
Mayson's mother, Amanda White, told News 5 on Monday that she's grateful for all of the "amazing support" she has received from counties all over Ohio.
Congdon said the primary focus for now is praying for Mayson's recovery.
"All of us are praying that a miracle will happen," she said. "There's always hope. Do you know what I mean? We're going to hold onto that."
Riebe said Waynedale will honor Mayson at its next home game on Friday with a moment of silence and by wearing white ribbons. Donations will also be taken at the admission gates and in a football helmet that will be passed around the stands.
