Football Player Dies After Injury During Game at John Glenn High School

A Shoreham-Wading River High School student has died after he collided with an opponent during a football game at Elwood John H. Glenn High School Wednesday evening, officials said.

Tom Cutinella, a high school junior who joined the varsity team this year, collapsed following the collision on the field during the game’s third quarter, according to NBC New York.

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The incident occurred at about 6 p.m., Suffolk County police said.

Cutinella died Wednesday night at Huntington Hospital, police said.

News of the tragedy has devastated both communities, with grief counselors made available in both school districts.

In Elwood, the community is “extremely shocked and saddened about this horrific news and we offer our most sincere condolences to Tom’s family and friends during this difficult time,” said Peter Scordo, superintendent of Elwood Schools.

And at Shoreham-Wading River Schools, the community mourns.

“Tom played lacrosse and was a member of the Natural Helpers program, which focuses on peers helping peers,” Superintendent Steven Cohen said in a statement. “He excelled academically, had a great sense of humor and was just a great individual overall.”

“He was well-liked among students and staff and he will truly be missed,” Cohen said.

Cutinella is the third high school football player to die across the country in recent days, according to ESPN.