JERSEY SHORE — There is heartbreaking news from our neighbors in Lycoming County.
The high school football player who collapsed during a game against Selinsgrove on Sept. 8 has died after a week in the hospital.
Max Engle, 17, died on Sept. 15, according to a post on the Jersey Shore Area School District’s Facebook page with an update from the family.
“We would like to begin by sharing our immense gratitude and appreciation for the love and support given to our family in this difficult time. The huge outpouring of thoughts and prayers have been of great comfort to us during this time. Max has been fighting hard throughout this week, but he needed to move on to fulfill a greater purpose,” the Facebook post read. “On Friday, September 15th, he joined the Lord and those who loved him and have gone before him. Please know he felt all your love and prayers.”
Engle’s death sent shock waves through central Pennsylvania and the high school football community.
The district had been sharing updates from Engle’s family after the teen collapsed toward the end of the game against Selinsgrove Area High School. On Tuesday, the district said Engle’s condition was rapidly declining.
Engle, a senior at Jersey Shore High School, collapsed during a timeout with just 11.4 seconds to play in regulation and the score tied 21-21 late in the Sept. 8 game in Selinsgrove.
Trainers and EMTs worked on him for 10 minutes before he was taken from the field by ambulance.
Led by Engle’s teammate, Bulldogs fullback Tate Sechrist, both teams and coaches prayed together at midfield.
Jersey Shore was scheduled to play Shikellamy on Sept. 15. That game was instead played on Sept. 18, just days after Engle passed away. Jersey Shore played an emotional game and won big, 61-12.
“Max was a warrior on the football field and fought hard to earn a place amongst his Brothers in Orange,” his family posted on Sept. 16. “He had respect for his coaches and competitors. Above all, was his loyalty to his teammates. We are thinking of them during this time and are also praying for all those who have been affected by this tragedy.”
A GoFundMe set up for the family has raised $56,275. It is still active. To contribute, visit gofundme.com/f/help-the-family-of-max-engle.
