Students at Clayton’s Diablo View Middle School will wear light blue on Thursday’s first day of the school year in honor of their classmate Braden Fahey, who died this past weekend after losing consciousness following a youth football practice Friday evening at Clayton Valley Charter High School.
As on ongoing tribute, Braden’s family and friends have invited students to wear sports jerseys to school each Monday to honor Braden’s love of local sports teams.
Emergency responders were called to the charter high school at 7:24 p.m. Friday and transported Braden to a hospital.
He died Sunday, according to a GoFundMe page started Monday by “Friends of Braden Fahey.” It said Braden “suffered a severe medical emergency that took his life unexpectedly.”
Braden played football for the Clayton Valley Athletic Association’s Jr. Eagles Football and Cheer.
“On behalf of the Diablo View Middle School community, I want to extend our sincerest condolences to the Fahey family on this heartbreaking loss that no family should ever have to endure.”
Peter Fong, DVMS principal
Diablo View Middle School principal Peter Fong released a statement through the school district, saying:
“Braden was a great friend, a beloved son and brother, a great teammate, an excellent student, and just an overall incredible person. He will be sorely missed and never forgotten.
“The death of a friend and loved one is tragic, and a sudden tragedy like this can have a profound effect on surviving students and the community at large, which is absolutely the case here. It is important that we recognize this loss and offer help. This is a sensitive issue for children, and we suggest that you talk with your children about their feelings.”
Fong said the school has arranged to have counselors on campus on the first day of school Aug. 11 as well as over the next several days to available to talk with students. Students and families can reach out for support by contacting the school at 925-672-0898.
“On behalf of the Diablo View Middle School community, I want to extend our sincerest condolences to the Fahey family on this heartbreaking loss that no family should ever have to endure,” Fong continued.
The GoFundMe page started for the family’s unexpected expenses had raised more than $92,000 of its $100,000 goal as of Wednesday afternoon.