Los Angeles high schooler, 16, dies after suffering brain injury during a football game

A 16-year-old Los Angeles area high school football player died over a week after suffering a brain injury during a game.

Late last month, Christopher Garcia of South East High School was rushed to a local hospital after he was injured while tackling an opposing player in a junior varsity game.

According to the Los Angeles Times, medical personnel were on hand to help the boy and the rest of the game has been called off.

South East High announced last Wednesday that Garcia had died as a result of his injuries.

A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Unified School District also confirmed to USA Today that Garcia sustained a brain injury.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family with funeral costs. That page also states that Garcia died from a brain injury.

'Christopher was a vibrant and passionate young man who brought joy and energy to everyone around him,' a family friend wrote on the fundraising page.

'As a dedicated high school football player, he was known for his enthusiasm on and off the field. Beyond his athletic talents, Christopher was a loving son, sibling, and a loyal friend.

'His loss leaves a profound void in the lives of all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed.'

South East principal Eric Jaimes reportedly wrote a letter, saying, 'On behalf of our entire school community, I want to offer my deepest condolences.

'... Every member of the South East High School community matters and this loss impacts us all.'

According to the LA Times, Garcia tackled a player on the sideline in the second half of a game against Maywood and immediately required medical assistance.

A spokesperson for the LAUSD told the LA Times that there were two medical staff members on site and that the home team is required to supply an EMT or athletic trainer before the game can start. 

Maywood's varsity coach, Cesar Trillo, said that he was, 'kneeling down and praying that this kid can get healthy and get back to us.' 

Per the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury, there have been 11 football-related deaths in middle school and high school programs this year.