Bloomfield youth football player dies after collapsing during practice

Town and school officials say he was unable to be revived despite attempts by staff and emergency medical personnel.

Rose Shannon

Dec 1, 2024, 5:43 PM

Updated 25 days ago

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A vigil was held Saturday to remember a 14-year-old youth football play from Bloomfield who died earlier this week.
Jahkye Gayle collapsed Wednesday night during Bloomfield Junior Warhawks Football team's practice. Town and school officials say he was unable to be revived despite attempts by staff and emergency medical personnel. Officials announced his death on Friday.
Jahkye began his freshman year at Bloomfield High School but had recently transferred to Manchester High School.
The Warhawks' president says Jahkye was an extremely popular member of the team.
"Losing him is definitely like a shooting star leaving the sky. He definitely impacted a lot of people…His presence touched a lot of people outside this team and he will absolutely sorely be missed," says Trevor Ford.
Grief counselors will be available to students Bloomfield High and Carmen Arace schools Monday, officials said.