Upper Darby boy, 15, dies from football injury

A 15-year-old Upper Darby boy died Tuesday after a football-practice injury last week left him in a coma, police said.

Quadaar White, who attended Upper Darby High School, died at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia early Tuesday, said Angela Henry, the mother of Jamaal Henry, 15, White's best friend.

Hundreds of friends, family, and teammates from the Greater 69th Street Wildcats squad gathered Tuesday evening for a memorial to White, who lived with his family on Wembley Road.

"There was an enormous outpouring of love and support," Henry said after attending the event.

The accident happened about 7:30 p.m. Aug. 24 during team practice at the 69th Street Athletic Association field. White's head struck another player's knee, said Michael Chitwood, police superintendent of Upper Darby.

White was wearing a helmet and pads.

"When the police and the paramedics arrived, he was not breathing, no pulse," Chitwood said. White was revived and transported to Children's Hospital in critical condition.

"It's just a tragic accident," Chitwood said.

Henry said a Quadaar White memorial fund had been set up for the family at Sun Federal Credit Union, 2800 W. Passyunk Ave., Philadelphia 19145.

A memorial page for White on Facebook had attracted more than 500 sympathizers as of Tuesday night.