'Unbelievable tragedy': Dalhart football player dies from head injury suffered in a game
LUBBOCK, Texas (KVII) — A Dalhart JV football player died Friday night from a head injury he suffered during a game.
Yahir Cancino's mom said her son died around 10:20 p.m. at a Lubbock hospital.
"Thank you to the community of Dalhart and the Texas panhandle for all the prayers, the calls, text and messages, but unfortunately Yahir passed from his injuries," said Araceli Hernandez. "We ask for prayers for peace and healing not only for us but for all the people Yahir touched in his life."
Yahir was injured Thursday night with less than seven minutes left in the 4th quarter in Dalhart's game against Sundown.
According to the school district, Yahir lost consciousness and was unable to be revived by first responders. He was airlifted to the ICU in Lubbock.
(Yahir's death) is an unbelievable tragedy that has touched our entire community.," said Dalhart ISD Superintendent Jeff Byrd. "Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Yahir’s family. The Dalhart Community will continue to surround and support them."
Byrd said Region 16's Crisis Team will be at the school when classes resume Tuesday to support students and staff.
The Dalhart Pastoral Coalition will also be available.
Friday night, the Golden Wolves held a prayer vigil at Dalhart Memorial Stadium.
People in attendance formed Yahir's #22 on the field.
The scoreboard was lit up with the down and distance and time remaining in the game when Yahir was injured. A group of kids kneeled there and prayed.
Members of the Sundown Roughneck football team showed up at UMC Children's Hospital in Lubbock to support and pray with and over Yahir's family and the Dalhart football team.
Yahir's mom said they have chosen to donate his organs.
"Yahir was always about helping people and we want to honor his memory," said Hernandez.
"I know one thing for sure, that Yahir is with our Heavenly Father. This kid love Him so much and was never afraid to share the gospel. I know he is up there pulling pranks and being the little rascal that he is,."
Dalhart High School will hold a candlelight vigil in Yahir's memory at 8 p.m. Sunday at Dalhart Memorial Stadium.
Everyone is asked to bring their own candle with something that will hold the wax.
Donation jars will also be set up. You can also click here to make a donation to the GoFundMe set up for the family.
