The match was canceled after the collapse of Antwi, and the limited number of fans in the stadium was asked to leave.
“We do not have much detail to share further,” the Sacramento City Unified School District said in a news release. “Our hearts go out to Emmanuel’s family and our school community during this difficult time. We ask everyone to give them privacy and time for healing and comfort while mourning.”
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of Emmanuel Antwi, the Kennedy High School soccer player. We send thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, teammates and everyone at @SCUSDKennedy,” the district wrote in its message.
First game of the season
“After waiting months for Covid, the first soccer game of the season was finally here! He just told his soccer coach that he finally got his driver’s license. He was so excited,” the organizers wrote.
“Emmanuel ‘Manny’ was very much loved and he was a wonderful young man and he was definitely too young to die,” they added.
As of Sunday afternoon, the fundraiser had raised more than $ 27,000, exceeding its $ 20,000 goal. Organizers expressed their gratitude, saying they had received an “overwhelming” amount of love and support.
“No amount can bring Manny back, but it can take tension off his mother’s shoulders,” they wrote.
Student Support
A district spokesman told KCRA that a designated trauma response team would be available for the school community after Antwi’s death.
The team will follow them up in the coming days to help them mentally address and process this incident, the spokesman said.
The school also sent a letter to families of students saying that school counselors and mental health support staff will be holding virtual mourning sessions on Zoom.
Once football practices resume, counselors will also be available in person, according to the school district.