It’s a heartbreaking story coming out of Hopi High School in the northeast corner of Arizona. Hopi High senior Charles Youvella died of a traumatic brain injury on Monday.
He was injured in Hopi Highs 60-6 playoff loss to Arizona Lutheran in a first round playoff game. Youvella scored his teams only touchdown late in the game.
According to reports, Youvella caught a pass during the fourth quarter and on his way down to the ground hit the back of his head hard on the ground. He would play two more plays before collapsing on the field. Witnesses say that he was conscious before an ambulance took him to a Phoenix hospital. He would pass away on Monday night.
Please say a prayer for Hopi High players, friends & family of Charles Youvella who passed away tonight. #RIP pic.twitter.com/iN2PNblqWy
— Larry Fitzgerald (@LarryFitzgerald) November 12, 2013
A memorial service will start at 7pm Wednesday night at the Hopi High Gymnasium, Donations to help defray the costs are being accepted at Hopi Jr. and Sr. High School. Call: 928-738-5111 x230.
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Brad Cesmat
Media personality Brad Cesmat first rose to fame in Southern California with the launching of "The Mighty 690" all-sports radio station in the late 1980's and early 90's. Brad came to Arizona in 1993 to begin a 10-year run at KTAR Radio followed by nine years at KTVK-TV in Phoenix. Brad is the Founder/ CEO of Sports360AZ.com. His vision of multi platform content marketing through sports began in September of 2011. Cesmat has served on the Advisory Board for the Salvation Army for the last 18 years. He and his wife Chris have four children.