2008 Flomaton Grad Dies Following College Football Practice In Montgomery

August 17, 2008

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A Flomaton High School graduate collapsed and later died Friday following football practice at Huntington College in Montgomery.

Huntington freshman Sam Collins, 18, died after being taken to a Montgomery hospital following his collapse at the college’s second football practice of the year.

Collins graduated from Flomaton High School this spring.  He was a defensive lineman for the Hurricanes, and he was an Alabama Class 2A All-State player that was 6 foot 1, 240 pounds.

“We ask for your thoughts and prayers to surround the Collins family in this time of grief,” Huntington President J. Cameron West said Saturday. “The Huntingdon community is devastated by the death of this bright and promising young man. We are planning a gathering on campus to remember him and to honor his life.”

West said Friday was the second official practice of the season, with players having checked in on Wednesday. The team held practice from 9:30 until 11:30 Friday morning in 85 degree weather. The practiced in shorts, shirts and helmets, but no pads, he said.

“Sam experienced cramping during the latter stages of practice, for which he received hydration. After practice, he became ill and was taken to the Athletic Training Room. He was assessed by our Certified Athletic Trainers, who called paramedics. Emergency personnel arrived on the scene and transported Sam to Jackson Hospital, where he arrived at approximately 12:30 p.m. Head Coach Mike Turk contacted Sam’s mother, who traveled to Montgomery,” West said.

““The medical team at Jackson Hospital cared for Sam until his death at about 7:30 p.m. Mrs. Collins was at Jackson Hospital when her son passed away. An official cause of death has not been determined, and we understand an autopsy will be performed,” West added.

A memorial fund has been established to assist the family with final arrangements. Donations may be sent to the Office of External Affairs, Huntingdon College, 1500 E. Fairview Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama, 36109. Checks may be made payable to Huntingdon College and designated to the Sam Collins Memorial Fund. The funeral is expected to be held in Flomaton, but final arrangements have not been announced.

Comments

15 Responses to “2008 Flomaton Grad Dies Following College Football Practice In Montgomery”

  1. Alex Bradley on December 2nd, 2011 9:07 pm

    Paint Ceda bruh! 4 life love ya man

  2. Patricia Lewis on July 30th, 2011 9:57 pm

    Almost three years and I miss you so much…you were like a son to me… You and Nick were two peas in a pod.. I thank God for bringing a young man such as you into my life…….I love you Sam!!!! Go big 56!!! ………I WILL NEVER FORGET U!!!!!!!

  3. Nick Lewis on May 24th, 2011 3:01 pm

    you still my best friend bro. i love you and i miss you….later on brotha

  4. Kaleb Pierre on July 6th, 2010 10:57 am

    Sam, was the best little brother any one could ever ask for. Very loyal, kind hearted and very goal oriented. I love Sam alot. It’s been sometime now and I’m still not over the passing. I know his up there with God during good things for people.

    I LUV & MISS YOU LIL BRO.

  5. logan hammond on November 18th, 2008 9:07 pm

    sma collins was so great of a football player and a great friend i miss him each and every day sam i love you and i’ll be with you one day R.I.P

  6. Meagan on August 23rd, 2008 4:23 pm

    Sam was really great. Me and him hung out often, I just want everyone to know that his life was lived well, and that he did his very best in alll he did. But he is playing a greater game now.

  7. Alisa Hart and Family on August 22nd, 2008 11:36 pm

    Sam was a very sweet young man. I got to know him when he helped me last year with Field Day ‘2008 at Flomaton Elementary School. He was so good w/the kids and his smile just lit up the place! Flomaton has lost a great young man. May God bless his family and all his many friends!

  8. Valeria P. Osby on August 20th, 2008 12:53 pm

    I watched Sam grow up into a wonderful young man. He will be greatly missed by everyone in Pollard and the surrounding communities. I will always have the wonderful memories in my heart driving by and watching him play basketball at the park in Pollard. I will forever cherish the memories of Sam driving his red diesel truck back and forth to school, and will miss passing him every morning while on my way to work. R.I.P. Sam. We love you.

    May God be with the Collins family in this time of sorrow.
    Frank, Valeria, Tierra, Tafari and Morrion.

  9. Steve & Lynn Lambeth on August 20th, 2008 12:03 pm

    Sam was a wonderful young man. You will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are will the entire Collins family. Sam had a positive impact on many lives. Keegan will miss him greatly.

  10. J.R. Strength on August 19th, 2008 2:45 pm

    Sam was a good friend during the short time i knew him,i hope Sams family the best

  11. Mr. &Mrs John M. Smith on August 19th, 2008 2:38 pm

    Sam was a really great young man.The world will miss this talented person who had so much to offer.May he rest in peace in the arms of our Lord .

  12. sam on August 18th, 2008 8:37 pm

    I will miss you sam R.I.P
    Love,
    Sambo

  13. KARLA on August 18th, 2008 10:28 am

    Our prayers r with u. Sam was a sweet and wonderfull person. I know he will be greatly missed. Your Flomaton family loves you. Allen and i will always remember you. You will forever be in our hearts.

  14. Megan Knowles on August 17th, 2008 10:55 pm

    Sam was one of my best friends.. He was simply amazing. He was the nicest and sweetest people I knew.. It’s so unreal to believe he’s really gone! I love you and Miss you Sammie!! Things will never be the same without you!!

  15. Beegee on August 17th, 2008 3:00 pm

    Such a tragedy………my prayers go out to the family!!!

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