Alabama high school basketball standout dies following medical emergency

An Alabama high school star basketball player has died after receiving a medical emergency at his school, officials said.

Caleb White, a senior at Pinson Valley High School, was pronounced dead after being transported to the hospital on Thursday, officials said.

The medical incident occurred around 1:12 p.m. local time, and the 17-year-old was pronounced dead more than an hour later, according to the Jefferson County Medical Examiner’s/Medical Examiner’s Office. The office said an autopsy would be performed on Friday to help determine the cause and manner of death.

Pinson Valley High School Principal Michael Turner informed the families of the incident in a letter Thursday night. He said lifesaving efforts had “started immediately” and first responders had been called to the school.

“Know that counseling resources will be available to anyone who needs them in the coming days,” Turner wrote in the letter. “Please pray for our students’ families and our school.”

Pinson Valley High School is located in Pinson, a suburb of Birmingham.

Pinson Mayor Joe Cochran said he was “heartbroken” by the student’s death.

“I’m honored to know Caleb personally and love the spirit he brings with him,” Cochran said in an interview. social media posts. “Life is fleeting, enjoy each day like a treasure, I know Caleb did.”

White, a point guard, is ranked as the state’s #3 player and the nation’s 43rd in his place by GAME. He has yet to announce which university he will attend.

Friends remember the outstanding athlete for his talent and good nature.

“He’s a phenomenal player,” Richele Crawford, a senior at Pinson Valley High School, told the ABC affiliate of Birmingham. WBMA. “It’s mesmerizing to watch him. He’s always fun to watch.”

White was always smiling and laughing, Crawford told the station.

“He’s one of the dumber kids,” she said. “I will forever remember his smile on and off the court.”

Childhood friend Arnold Thomas expressed shock at the news.

“Today is heartbreaking. I can’t even describe it in words,” he told the WBMA on Thursday.

Thomas said his favorite memory of White is the first time he played against him.

“I’ll be honest, his team was stacked. Caleb put me on 20,” Thomas told WBMA. “I’ve lived with it. He’s a great kid.”

Area basketball programs paid tribute to White after learning of his death.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Caleb White, his family and the @PinsonValley Community,” the Mountain Brook High School basketball team in Birmingham said on social media. “Extraordinary player but more importantly a great man is gone [too] early.”