College Football Player From Jersey Shore Dies After Practice

A 19-year-old college football player who recently graduated from a high school at the Jersey Shore died after practice this week, according to reports.

Braeden Bradforth, a defensive lineman out of Neptune High School, was found "medically distressed" in a campus dorm room after his first day of practice as a freshman at Garden City Community College in Kansas, according to The Garden City Telegram.

Bradforth reportedly may have had a blood clot that likely traveled to his heart, causing a heart attack, the team's head coach, Jeff Sims, was quoted as saying in Sports Illustrated.

In 2013, Bradforth was part of the Jersey Shore American Youth Football Eighth-Grade Unlimited All-Star team that won the AYF National Championships in Kissimmee, Fla., according to The Asbury Park Press.

Bradforth had arrived at Garden City on Monday, and Wednesday was the first day of practices, Sims told The Wichita Eagle. “He had a great day and great attitude and was focused on things he needed to be successful in school and football,” Sims was quoted as saying.

A GoFundMe page was set up to raise money for the family.

The family said it was "with great pride and enthusiasm that Braeden set forth on a journey he had planned for his entire life."

"From early childhood until now, Braeden had aspired to make it to the NFL," according to the GoFundMe page. "As a result, he worked tirelessly to ensure that he would one day accomplish that goal. Braeden's dreams of success were not driven by selfish desires, but instead he aspired to be a blessing to his family and give back to his local community."

Bradforth had big dreams and a big heart "filled with the passion needed to bring all of his dreams to past. Not only was he a talented athlete; he was one of the most jovial, loving and humble individuals to cross one's path."

"His ambition and determination to defy the odds, pushed him to develop the skills and knowledge needed to obtain a football scholarship," according to the page. "It is with great heartbreak that we announce that Braeden was snatched away last night."

The family is awaiting the results from his autopsy while preparing to "lay our beloved Braeden to rest. Braeden will be missed not only by his family, but by everyone whose life he touched."

"It is the family’s desire to bring him back from Kansas to have his funeral in his hometown," the page said. "They are in need of assistance due to this unexpected and tragic loss. Donations of any amount are needed and welcomed during this difficult time."

Photo courtesy of GoFundMe, a promotional partner of Patch