KHQ Right Now - News and Weather for Spokane and North Idaho | Family issues statement about football player's death

Family issues statement about football player's death

Posted: Updated: Sep 28, 2009 07:50 AM PDT

SPOKANE, Wash.- A Sacred Heart Medical Center spokesperson says Drew Swank, a junior football player from Valley Christian High School, has died. Drew was seriously injured during the school's game Friday night in Washtucna.

Drew's family issued a statement regarding Drew's accident on Friday night:

Andrew Fremont Swank was a 17 year-old Junior at Valley Christian School in Spokane, WA.  He suffered a life-ending head injury as a star high school football player in a game at Washtucna, WA on September 25^th, 2009.  Andrew is donating his organs so others lives can be saved.  He is a Christian and a Hero.   "Drew" is now in heaven with God.  He is a true testament of faith in God.  Andrew is survived by his father & mother and his seven siblings (four sisters & three brothers).  His family loves him so much and is so appreciative of everyone's thoughts and prayers.  A fund to help defray medical expenses has been set up at Spokane Teachers Credit Union under "Andrew Swank".

According to Assistant Coach Mike Heden, Drew, a defensive back, took a hard hit during the game. School administrator Derick Tabish says Drew was able to walk off the field to the sideline. At the sideline, he became sick, then collapsed.

Friday night, Drew was airlifted to Sacred Heart Medical Center to undergo surgery that would relieve pressure on his brain. He was listed in critical condition all weekend.

On Monday morning, at around 2, KHQ called Sacred Heart to get an update on Drew's condition. A nursing supervisor told us he died sometime before that.

If you want to donate to Drew's family to help support the cost of Medical Bills, there is a fund set up through the school, Valley Christian High, under Drew's name.