Community Corner
Football Player From Union Co. Dies From Traumatic Brain Injury
Xavier McClain suffered a brain injury during a football game earlier this month. The mayor of Linden confirmed his death on Wednesday.
UNION COUNTY, NJ — Mayor of Linden Derek Armstead confirmed the death of Xavier McClain, a high school sophomore, on Wednesday.
McClain suffered a traumatic brain injury during a Linden High School Tigers football game against Woodbridge High School on Sept. 9, according to News 12.
"We are extremely saddened by his untimely death," Acting Superintendent of Linden Schools Denise Cleary said in an email Thursday to district staff.
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Mayor Armstead also posted on Facebook about the news of McClain's death.
"This news hurts because I have known his parents, Lisa and Norm for years, Xavier and Andres, their two sons, since they were little boys, " Armstead wrote. "My wife and I spend time in their home and our children played together. Tragically, their worst fear came true. Norm and Lisa are devastated. Children are supposed to outlive their parents, not the other way around. I asked that you continue to keep the family in your prayers."
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