Fitzgerald High football player DJ Searcy dies after practice

Aug 2, 2011 - 18:30
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Fitzgerald High football player DJ Searcy dies after practice
DJ Searcy

A 16-year-old Fitzgerald High School defensive lineman died Tuesday moing following practice at a facility in northe Florida.

DJ Searcy, a rising junior, was found unresponsive in his cabin at O'Leno State Park in Columbia County, according to the Columbia County Sheriff's Office.  He was taken to a local hospital but resuscitation efforts failed.

Searcy's aunt, Constance Manley, confirmed her nephew's passing to the Atlanta Joual-Constitution. The  Fitzgerald youth's parents are en route to Florida, she said.

According to the National Weather Service, the heat index for Lake City, Fla., reached 109 degrees Tuesday.

Searcy's death comes as a Locust Grove High School center fights for his life after suffering a heat stroke following practice last week.

Forrest Jones, 16, his still unresponsive, his father, Glenn Jones, told the AJC on Tuesday. "It's not looking good at all," he said.

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Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.