Bishop Hayes (Bronx, N.Y.) junior defensive lineman Delano Cowan, 16, died after a playoff game on Saturday. (Facebook)
Another high school football player has died, and while Cardinal Hayes (Bronx, N.Y.) junior defensive lineman Delano Cowan’s passing does not appear to be directly related to playing the sport, as has been the case too often this season, it’s no less tragic.
Police discovered Cowan’s body after responding to a call about someone falling off a building in the Bronx on Saturday night, according to the New York Daily News.
“The entire Cardinal Hayes High School community mourns the tragic loss of Delano Cowan, ’17, and we offer our prayers and deepest condolences to his family,” the Catholic school’s president, Rev. Joseph P. Tierney, said in a statement. “Out of respect for the privacy of the Cowan family and for that of our students, we offer no other public comment beyond our profound sadness at the loss of a beloved member of the Cardinal Hayes High School family.”
The 16-year-old’s death occurred hours after his team’s Catholic High School Football League playoff quarterfinal victory against Holy Cross this past weekend. The Cardinals are scheduled to face St. Anthony’s in the CHSFL semifinals on Saturday in Melville, N.Y.
As police reportedly continue to investigate the circumstances of Cowan’s death, members of the Bishop Hayes community mourned the teen’s passing on social media this week.
A 6-foot, 200-pound defensive lineman who wore No. 90, Cowan did not start for Bishop Hayes’ 7-2 football team, but coach C.J. O’Neil told the New York Daily News that the underclassman “was making his way there.” Highlights certainly confirm as much.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established by Delano’s cousin with the purpose of raising $10,000 to pay for his funeral and benefit The Young People’s Project.
“We have lost someone so close to us who has inspired, loved, befriended, encouraged and was one of Hayes finest athletes,” wrote Danielle Paige. “On Nov 7, 2015, we had to return the soul of Delano Cowan to the Lord for his using. We may not understand Gods plan but we know that it is for his good. As his cousin, as requested by friends and family, We are raising money in support to his family for the funeral. We also plan on starting a group in support of our young people in NY, to love and support them anyway we can as they grow with peer pressure and everyday struggles. Anything and everything helps, and through our heartbreak we will stand strong, because Delano wouldn’t want anything less. We are putting forth all funds towards his funeral, and the young people’s project. We love you #90, forever praying you rest in peace. #ForeverDelanoNineZero”