MERIWETHER COUNTY, Ga. — A Meriwether County football player has died, the school district reported Sunday evening in a letter to families.
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.
Smith was a player on Manchester High's football team and was set to play in a state title game Monday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
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."
11Alive's Cody Alcorn reported Sunday afternoon that a scene was being investigated in Manchester. There had been a search for Smith after he was reported missing on Saturday.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation confirmed it was requested by Manchester Police to assist in crime scene processing on Sunday.
"We continue to pray for Brandon’s family, friends, teammates, and classmates. Manchester High School will have mental health support available starting on Monday morning," the district letter added.
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