GhLinks Media
A Meriwether County football player identified as has died Brandon Smith.
Brandon Smith was found dead a day before his team was due to play in a state championship game at the Falcons’ Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
He was 17 years old.
His cause of death has not been confirmed.
According to 11 Alive, his body was found earlier Sunday evening. Manchester authorities were investigating his death and reportedly requested the assistance of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Statement from school district and family
In a joint letter, Meriwether County School System Superintendent Dr. Robert A. Griffin and Manchester High School Principal Mrs. Suze Neal reported the death of 17-year-old Brandon Smith.
The letter from the district called Smith a “loyal teammate and friend who excelled on and off the field. He will be deeply missed.”
“We are heartbroken to hear the news of the tragic and untimely death of one of our student-athletes, Brandon Smith,” it stated. “Manchester High School’s celebration of playing for the Georgia 1-A State Football Championship has unfortunately turned into something none of us could have fathomed.”
According to the letter, the circumstances of Smith’s death are still being investigated and “will be shared publicly by local authorities.”
