Mass. school football player dies after injury

HOLLISTON, Mass.—A Holliston High School football player has died after being struck in the chest during a full contact scrimmage.

Joseph "Joey" Larracey, a 16-year-old lineman, was hit Friday during a scrimmage at Apponequet Regional High School in Lakeville.

His uncle, Tom Larracey, told the MetroWest Daily News that his nephew went off the field after the play, saying he felt dizzy. He later passed out, but regained consciousness before being rushed to a local hospital.

Tom Larracey said doctors there discovered his nephew's lungs were filling with fluid. He died a short time later Friday.

Holliston's superintendent of schools, Bradford L. Jackson, released a statement Saturday announcing Larracey's death and calling it a "great loss."

The Boston Globe reported Saturday that family and friends were stunned by the death of Larracey. Grief counselors met with students and the football team at the school.

Cars lined the street where Larracey lived, and people hugged in his parents' driveway, talking quietly amongst themselves.

Another of Larracey's uncle, Dean Cerrati said the teenager was a good kid.

"He was always laughing, always smiling, respectful," he said. "Everybody says that, but he really was."