Wisconsin high school football player dies following injury

The news of the death of an Alma Center-Humbird-Merrillan School District senior from injuries sustained in a game has rocked Wisconsin's high school football community.

In a district-wide email on Saturday, Superintendent Drew Semingson said Adam Massman, 17, was "injured during Thursday night's football game."

"He received medical support from EMT who were onsite at the game, before being transported to the hospital," said Semingson. "We received news this afternoon that Adam passed away from the injury."

Semingson's email didn't describe the nature of Massman's injury.

He described Massman as an athlete who played multiple sports and was active in several clubs. Semingson noted the Massman family has "deep connections throughout our schools. Adam's mother, Brianne Massman, is a counselor at a district elementary school. Two of Adam's uncles and one aunt work within the district as well.

The district opened doors to its Lincoln high school building on Saturday to provide grief counselors for students.

In a Facebook post Monday, Brianne Massman said she was thankful for the "unbelievable outpouring of support as we deeply mourn the loss of our amazing Adam." She shared details of Adam's visitation and funeral, which will be held Friday at the Lincoln high school gym.

"How did you know our boy?" Brianne Massman wrote. "Come dressed how you knew Adam -- if you showed cattle -- come dressed in those show clothes, if you played ball -- put on your uniform... wear what you would usually wear when you would see him -- Adam will see you from above one more time showing up for him."

Massman's sudden death has rippled through Wisconsin's high school football community. On Sunday, the Independence School District shared a post stating that while their teams "may wear different colors and stand on opposite sidelines, we are part of the same family."

"We are educators. We are coaches. We are parents. We are students. And most importantly, we are people who care deeply about one another." said the post. "From our school community to yours, please know that you are not alone. We are grieving with you. And we will continue to hold your school, your students, and your community in our hearts as you grieve the loss of one of your students."

On Monday, the Sparta Area School District shared a post showing an image of a football with Adam's number on it below the words "Hornet Strong."

"We are thinking of his family, friends, teammates, coaches, classmates, and all those who knew and cared for him during this incredibly difficult time," said the district's post.

Visitation for Massman will be held at the Alma Center-Humbird-Merrillan School District's Lincoln middle school-high school gym, Friday, from 4-7 p.m. Adam's funeral service will be held in the gym at 11 a.m. Saturday.