Alabama high school basketball player Caleb White dies after medical emergency

Pinson Valley High School senior Caleb White has died, per al.com’s Carol Robinson.

“Caleb White suffered a medical emergency at school. Life-saving efforts were started at the school, and White was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead,” Robinson wrote.

White was a high school standout basketball player in Alabama. The 17-year-old was a finalist for the Class 6A Player of the Year Award as a junior and was a first-team all-state selection. White averaged 20.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.9 steals per game for Pinson Valley.

According to White’s grandfather, George Varnadoe Jr., the high school senior suffered the medical emergency during a workout with the team. Despite live-saving attempts, White was pronounced dead at the hospital.

“My heart is extremely heavy. My grandson, Caleb White, was working with his team a short while ago,” Varnadoe wrote on Facebook. “He collapsed on the floor. They tried resuscitating him. When that didn’t work, he was then transported to the hospital.

“The doctors couldn’t revive him. At 17, he was dead!” Varnadoe wrote. “Caleb was an honor student, very respectful, high intellect, excellent role model, phenomenal basketball player, ranked 25th best point guard in his class in the nation and No. 2 in the state of Alabama. RIP Caleb! I love you man!”

On Thursday, Pinson Valley High School principal Michael Turner sent out a statement to the community.

“I unfortunately have some very sad news to report tonight. One of our senior students suffered a medical emergency at school today,” Turner wrote. “Life saving efforts were immediately started and first responders were called. Sadly, the student was later pronounced deceased after being transported to the hospital. Out of respect for the family, we are not releasing the name of the student at this time.

“We will have more to say in the near future. Please know counseling resources will be available for anyone who needs them in the coming days. Please keep the student’s family and our school in your prayers.”

While the cause of White’s death has not yet been revealed, there has been no shortage of public support for White’s family.

“Heartbroken. No words can be gathered to provide comfort to a family and community experiencing the loss of young life,” Pinson Mayor Joe Cochran wrote on Facebook. “Please lift Caleb’s family and friends along with the entire PVHS community in prayer for the hours, weeks, months and years ahead.

“I was honored to know Caleb personally and loved the spirit he carried. Life is fleeting, enjoy every day as the treasure it is, I know Caleb did.”