Georgia Tech 4-star recruit Bryce Gowdy dies after being hit by train week before starting classes
The Georgia Tech family is grieving one of its most recent members. Four-star football recruit Bryce Gowdy died Monday, according to a tweet from his high school, a week before he was to enroll early at Georgia Tech.
Gowdy was a star wide receiver at Deerfield Beach in Florida and was to start classes on Jan. 6, per Kelly Quinlan at Rivals.com. Gowdy was hit by a freight train early Monday morning, according to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. He was taken to an area hospital where he died.
#GaTech WR signee Bryce Gowdy has passed away. Tragic news from his HS team confirming the news. As someone who knew the young man I am speechless. As a father and a reporter covering a team that has faced two deaths in less than a year I’m heartbroken for everyone involved. https://t.co/royQisEbmg
— Kelly Quinlan (@Kelly_Quinlan) December 30, 2019
Gowdy announced his commitment in July, choosing the Yellow Jackets over Oregon, Penn State, Syracuse and West Virginia.
Bryce was one of the funniest recruits I’ve ever encountered. Always enjoyed seeing him at events because he always had a way of making me laugh. Incredibly sad to hear of his passing. https://t.co/oFoWSUSfUk
— Rob Cassidy (@Cassidy_Rob) December 30, 2019
He was Tech’s first high school wide receiver signing with a rating of higher than three stars since Calvin Johnson in 2004, per the Atlanta Journal Constitution. The 6-foot-2, 207-pound prospect made his official visit in May and called the school “amazing” and “a dream come true,” per the AJC.
Sunday evening he tweeted his excitement about heading up to Atlanta soon.
Family matters, can’t wait to get to the ATL soon! pic.twitter.com/mCw5esPWUj
— Bryce “Simba” Gowdy (@SkayeBryce) December 30, 2019
Georgia Tech coach Geoff Collins extended his condolences in a statement and said Gowdy will “always be a part of our Georgia Tech Football Family.”
We are heartbroken. Bryce will always be a part of our Georgia Tech Football Family. We will be praying for him and all those who love him.#BelieveIn7 #RIPSimba pic.twitter.com/dtV5g50Tiq
— Coach Collins🏆🏆🏆🏆 (@CoachCollins) December 30, 2019
In March, the school announced that 21-year-old defensive tackle Brandon Adams died unexpectedly. He was reportedly participating in a dance routine when he collapsed.
More from Yahoo Sports: