Malik Mebane, a 15-year-old Cummings High School sophomore and football player for the Cavaliers, died suddenly after collapsing on the field at the start of a practice session Monday on campus.
A high school athletic trainer was at the scene when Mebane collapsed and began CPR, but Mebane was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead, ABSS chief communications officer Emily-Lynn Atkins confirmed for The Alamance News on Tuesday morning.
“Our district and the school community are heartbroken by this tragic loss. Malik Mebane was a student, an athlete, and a part of our community. As a district, we are committed to supporting our students as they begin to process and cope with their grief. We have a team of counselors and support staff at the school to help our students during this difficult time. We’d like to thank the community for their outpouring of love and support for the school and our students as we continue to keep the family and friends of Malik in our thoughts.”
The Cavaliers extended their condolences in a team statement issued Tuesday morning.
“We are devastated by the loss of Malik, who was not only an incredible athlete but an extraordinary young man. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. This is a heartbreaking time for our team and the entire Cummings High School community.
“Malik embodied everything we strive for in our program—dedication, teamwork, and a love for the game. Right now, our focus is on supporting his family and teammates through this unimaginable loss. We are working closely with the school and counselors to ensure everyone has the support they need during this difficult time. Words cannot express the deep sorrow we feel. We ask for your continued support for Malik’s family and loved ones as we all navigate this loss.”
ABSS superintendent Dr. Aaron Fleming also offered his condolences in a message on social media Tuesday.
“We are heartbroken alongside our community at the recent tragic loss of two young lives,” Fleming wrote. “We have a team of counselors and support staff available to help our students during this difficult time. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from our community. Please continue to keep family, friends, staff, and students in your thoughts and prayers.”
Cummings canceled Tuesday’s practice, but the Cavaliers were back on the practice field Wednesday afternoon. A scheduled home game Friday night vs. Graham was rescheduled for 7:00 p.m. Monday.
No additional information about the circumstances leading to Mebane’s collapse or his cause of death was immediately available.
Meanwhile, a fundraiser to cover Mebane’s final expenses has been launched via the GoFundMe website and, as of early Wednesday night, had generated $2,500, toward a goal of $7,300, from 51 donors.
The narrative for the fundraiser indicates that donations will be used to cover Mebane’s funeral expenses.
“Malik is a passionate, thoughtful, young man who was excited about being a Cummings High School football player,” the GoFundMe page states. “Malik loved his family and adored his brother and sister! Malik was a crafted chef also. Unfortunately, on September 23, 2024, Malik became unconscious during football practice and was transported to the hospital. Later that evening he passed away. Thank you to everyone who contributes to the burial of Malik.”
The online fundraiser can be found here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-the-legacy-of-malik-mebane
