High School Football Player Mason Flores Dies on 16th Birthday After Severe Head Injury

The Sweet Home, Oregon, community is mourning the loss of 15-year-old football player Mason Flores, who died one week after suffering a severe head injury during a junior varsity football game.

Flores was playing for Sweet Home High School in a home game against Marist Catholic on Monday, September 28, when he suffered the injury.

According to reports, Flores experienced a seizure following the incident and was transported by air to a hospital in Portland.

Doctors determined that Flores had suffered a brain bleed and required surgery to reduce swelling. Despite the efforts of medical professionals and his family, his condition did not improve.

Mason ultimately passed away on Tuesday, October 6, his 16th birthday.

His death has sent shockwaves throughout the Sweet Home community, with friends, teammates, classmates, coaches and community members rallying around his family during an incredibly difficult time.

While Mason remained hospitalized, members of the community organized several efforts to help support his family. A two-day car wash organized by his friend, Ryder Oakley, reportedly raised approximately $19,000.

Dutch Bros. also joined the effort, raising another $2,000 through weekend sales to help Mason’s family.

The outpouring of support demonstrated just how much Mason meant to those around him.

For a young athlete, football is often about more than what happens between the lines. It is about teammates becoming brothers, coaches becoming mentors and communities coming together when one of their own needs help.

In Mason’s case, that support became especially important as his family remained by his side throughout his hospitalization.

The Sweet Home community is now facing the heartbreaking reality of losing a young man who had his entire life ahead of him.

Mason’s death is another painful reminder of the risks that young athletes can face when participating in contact sports. Head injuries and concussions require immediate attention, and athletes who experience concerning symptoms following a hit should receive prompt medical evaluation.

While football was an important part of Mason’s life, those who knew him will remember him for far more than what happened on the field.

He was a son, friend, teammate, classmate and member of the Sweet Home community.

On what should have been a celebration of his 16th birthday, his family and community instead gathered to mourn his passing.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Mason Flores’ family, teammates, friends, coaches and everyone in the Sweet Home community during this incredibly difficult time.