Updated 08/13/2008 01:56 PM
High school football player dies
By: News 14 Carolina Staff
Atlas Fraley
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- A 17-year-old high school football player died Tuesday in his Chapel Hill home hours after a scrimmage in Cary.
Atlas Fraley, who was entering his senior year at Chapel Hill High School this fall, passed away after a deadly asthma attack around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Fraley anchored Chapel Hill’s defensive line and took part in the team’s two scrimmages earlier in the day at Middle Creek High School in Cary.
In a statement released by Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, Superintendent Neil Pedersen pledged support for the community after Fraley's death.
"We extend our deepest sympathies to the Fraley family during this most difficult time," Pedersen said. "Our staff stands ready to support the students and families who knew and loved Atlas."
The statement said Chapel Hill High School will provide counseling support for students and staff. Because many students moved to Carrboro High School after a recent redistricting, counseling will be provided there as well.
Fraley, whose friends called him ATL, was being recruited by several college teams, including N.C. State, Louisville and Georgia Tech, according to the Chapel Hill News.
School officials were notified of the death of 17 year-old Atlas Fraley at approximately 6:45 p.m. yesterday.
The cause of death has yet to be determined.
Atlas attended Chapel Hill High School for three years and was a student at McDougle Middle School prior to that. Atlas was a member of the Tiger Football Team, and he participated in a scrimmage yesterday morning.
"We extend our deepest sympathies to the Fraley Family during this most difficult time. Our staff stands ready to support the students and families who knew and loved Atlas," Superintendent Neil Pedersen said.
Chapel Hill High School parents are being notified of Atlas' death in an e-mail from Principal Jacqueline Ellis. Additional counseling support is being made available at the school for students and staff. Counseling support also is being extended to Carrboro High School, where many students now attend after a redistricting that moved them from Chapel Hill High School.
The CHHS Coaching Staff will meet with players and parents later today. Counselors also will be on hand for this meeting.
Wednesday's practice and Friday's scrimmage against Cedar Ridge High School have been canceled. A decision about Thursday's practice will be made following tonight's meeting.