Tribute planned for Pulaski Co. player who died from head injury in scrimmage
On Monday, 17-year-old Andrew Dodson passed away from a head injury he suffered during a spring football scrimmage at Pulaski County High School. Dodson was a junior tight end for the Maroons. His father Alan told the Herald-Leader that the injury occurred after his son was tackled — “a simple, clean tackle” — and his head hit the turf, causing blunt-force trauma to the brain. After major surgery, Andrew never woke up.
Support has been pouring in for the Dodson family in recent days. Yesterday, Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops shared his condolences on social media.
“Our sympathies and prayers are with the family, friends and teammates of Andrew Dodson, a member of the Pulaski County football team,” Stoops wrote on Twitter. “We are heartbroken by this tragedy and are deeply sorry for your loss.”
The KHSAA also posted a statement on Twitter, writing that all of its members mourn Dodson’s loss.
“No words can explain, justify or rationalize tragedies such as these. We only ask for peace and comfort to all around him and around our great Commonwealth. We also encourage all to seek out family and friends to walk through this difficult time together and talk through all the emotions that come with losing a friend, brother, comrade, child and teammate.
“We know in the hours, days, weeks, months and years ahead we will continue to remember his fighting spirit and passion for all things Pulaski County, as well as his deeply held beliefs about his time on earth and following.
“We hold his family and friends close in these times and offer our deepest condolences.”
Dodson will be laid to rest on Friday morning. On Friday night, Pulaski County will honor him with a tribute at PC Stadium. This morning, Maroons head coach John Hines tweeted that the lights at the stadium will burn from 7:30 p.m. (kickoff) for 80 minutes, which was Dodson’s jersey number.
As Coach Hines suggested, I’m sure many teams across the state will join in the poignant tribute.
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