Georgia Tech football recruit Bryce Gowdy died Monday after getting hit by a freight train in his hometown of Deerfield Beach, Fla.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office said the incident occurred around 4 a.m., but the details were unclear.
Gowdy, a 17-year-old wide receiver, signed a letter-of-intent to play for the Yellow Jackets this month. He was ready to head to Georgia Tech next week.
“This is just tragic that this has happened,” his uncle, Thomas Gowdy, told the South Florida Sun Sentinel. “He said he was gonna be famous. He wanted to be famous. …
“He was a little stressed having the weight of the world on his shoulders by going (to a Division I school), and having to leave his two younger brothers and his family in an unstable environment.”
Georgia Tech coach Geoff Collins tweeted Monday, “Our entire Georgia Tech football family is devastated by the news of Bryce’s passing. Bryce was an outstanding young man with a very bright future. He was a great friend to many, including many of our current and incoming team members.”
Gowdy was a wide receiver and defensive back who helped his Deerfield Beach High School team reach the state semifinals this year. He was rated as a four-star recruit.
