Danville High School Mourns Death of Football Player

Danville High School in Danville, Kentucky, is mourning senior football player Jamaree Johnson, who died Friday night at age 17 after complications related to a leg injury suffered during a September football game, according to the Boyle County Coroner and local reports.

Johnson was a member of the Danville Admirals varsity football team and had been on the varsity roster since his freshman season, according to WKYT. Principal Danny Goodwin announced the death to the school community on Saturday.

Goodwin described Johnson as a valued member of the school community in his announcement.

"It is with profound sadness that I must share the heartbreaking news of the passing of senior Jamaree Johnson." Goodwin said.

The school opened its doors Saturday at 5:30 p.m. for people seeking a place to remember Johnson. Counselors and ministers were available, according to Goodwin's announcement.

Goodwin's email to families included a message addressing the broader school community.

"Admiral Family, it is with profound sadness that I must share the heartbreaking news of the passing of senior Jamaree Johnson," Goodwin said.

He continued the message by emphasizing support for students, staff, and families affected by the loss.

"Jamaree was a cherished member of our DHS community, and he will be deeply missed. To support one another during this difficult time, the doors of DHS will be open today beginning at 5:30 PM for anyone wishing to gather and remember Jamaree." Goodwin said.

The announcement also included information about available emotional support services for those attending the gathering.

"Counselors and ministers will be available on-site for anyone who needs a supportive space to talk. Please keep Jamaree, as well as his family and friends, in your thoughts and hearts as we navigate this tragedy together." Goodwin said.

According to the Courier Journal, Johnson suffered a serious leg injury during Danville's 48-21 win over Lincoln County High School on September 11. Teammates gathered along the track as he was taken from the field for medical care.

The school community's earlier announcement was also shared by local outlets after Johnson's death was confirmed.

"It is with profound sadness that I must share the heartbreaking news of the passing of senior Jamaree Johnson," Goodwin said.

Support spread across Boyle County as football programs and community members responded to Johnson's death.

"Today, football takes a backseat. Rivalries and championships don’t matter in moments like these. What matters is a young life lost too soon and the family, teammates, coaches, and community left grieving...We may wear different colors, but we share the same love for this game and the same bond that makes us one football family.

Today, we grieve together." Boyle County High School's football program said.

Family friend Shamyia Johnson said she could not provide details about the death but noted the response from supporters.

"I am truly amazed by the outpouring of love and support being shown to Jamaree and his family." Shamyia Johnson said.

She also described the volume of messages and calls received after the announcement.

"There has been so much love that I can hardly keep up with all the messages and phone calls," Shamyia Johnson said.

A fundraising effort was created to assist the Johnson family, with loved ones organizing support through a Meal Train and GoFundMe.

"Our hearts are broken over the tragic loss of Jamaree Johnson, such a young soul taken way too soon. No family should ever have to endure this kind of pain, and we want to come together as a community to help support the Johnson family during this incredibly difficult time." Johnson's loved ones said.

Danville was scheduled to return to the field for its final home game of the regular season on October 16 against Lexington Christian.