Cincinnati Saint Xavier football player dies in Florida

[Jack of all Trades]

Just heard on the news that Matt James, big tackle for Cincinnati St. Xavier and Notre Dame recruit was killed in Panama City, Florida as a result of a fall from a balcony.

[cooperstown]

Heard that Massa fell also, but was not injured or not injured seriously. Apparently they were "balcony jumping?"

[doubledeuce]

Heard that Massa fell also, but was not injured or not injured seriously. Apparently they were "balcony jumping?"

 

 

Glad he was not injured as well.

 

I could see my son and some of his buddies trying this.............and it scares me greatly!!

[cooperstown]

Glad he was not injured as well.

 

I could see my son and some of his buddies trying this.............and it scares me greatly!!

 

My son has complained rather loudly about missing Spring Break due to baseball. This is one of the reasons I couldn't care less. Good, smart, mature, responsible kids (and I'm sure James was one of them) tend to do crazy things when they go away with a group of their peers. Lord knows I did. It's almost like a one-upmanship contest to see who can do the wildest thing. And, unfortunately, bad - even tragic - things happen in such an environment. I can't imagine what the call must have been like for his parents. Gut wrenching doesn't even come close.

[HouseofPain]

This is so sad, I will say many prayers for this young mans family. "Dear Lord please be with the family of this young man in this sad time and please comfort them in this time of tradgedy but most of all lift their spirits by reassuring them that their son is now yours, I ask these things in your sons name, Amen!"

[Dixiedarling]

My son has complained rather loudly about missing Spring Break due to baseball. This is one of the reasons I couldn't care less. Good, smart, mature, responsible kids (and I'm sure James was one of them) tend to do crazy things when they go away with a group of their peers. Lord knows I did. It's almost like a one-upmanship contest to see who can do the wildest thing. And, unfortunately, bad - even tragic - things happen in such an environment. I can't imagine what the call must have been like for his parents. Gut wrenching doesn't even come close.

 

Excellent post.

[Walter]

Although I wasn't close to Matt, I gotta admit....this news absolutely devastated me. I had the chance to cover him this past season and talk to him on several occasions about his recruitment and he was always a pleasure to talk to.

 

Regardless of the situation, he was the type of person that always had a smile on his face and tried to make the best of things. Words can't explain how great of a kid Matt was.

 

Thoughts and prayers go out to the James' family, St. X community, and all those who were close to him.

[beverlybubba]

Heard that Massa fell also, but was not injured or not injured seriously. Apparently they were "balcony jumping?"

 

Saw this on WLWT but they said nothing about "balcony jumping." Insane.

 

My heart and prayers go out to his family and friends.

[gametime]

Heard that Massa fell also, but was not injured or not injured seriously. Apparently they were "balcony jumping?"

 

Word is he was leaning over the railing talking to a friend and the railing gave way. Massa did not fall, and there was no "balcony jumping" from the stories I've heard. RIP Matt...

[beverlybubba]

Word is he was leaning over the railing talking to a friend and the railing gave way. Massa did not fall, and there was no "balcony jumping" from the stories I've heard. RIP Matt...

 

I hope not.

 

A lot of railings don't seem sturdy enough. Also, I'm 6' 3" and often feel the railings on balconies aren't high enough for me. If you're 6' 8" the problem would be even worse.

[SportsGuy41017]

http://www.bluegrasspreps.com/showthread.php?t=202859

[Beechwoodfan]

A parent's wost nightmare!

 

My daughter is getting ready to go on her first spring break. I have given her many lectures and have received the traditional eye roll each time. As Cooperstown said, these things happen when kids start getting a taste of freedom. It can happen to anyone. How tragic for this talented young man!

 

We did crazy things to when we were young, but just happened to be lucky.

[hja1224]

My son has complained rather loudly about missing Spring Break due to baseball. This is one of the reasons I couldn't care less. Good, smart, mature, responsible kids (and I'm sure James was one of them) tend to do crazy things when they go away with a group of their peers. Lord knows I did. It's almost like a one-upmanship contest to see who can do the wildest thing. And, unfortunately, bad - even tragic - things happen in such an environment. I can't imagine what the call must have been like for his parents. Gut wrenching doesn't even come close.

 

I absolutely agree. If my parents knew what I did at this age, I don't know what would have happened. My son playing 6 games over spring break is a blessing. I would never, no matter how much I trust him, let him go away while this young. I believe he would make the right decisions but I know how I was and would not sleep the whole week he would be gone.

[HIGHLANDS GUY]

Word is he was leaning over the railing talking to a friend and the railing gave way. Massa did not fall, and there was no "balcony jumping" from the stories I've heard. RIP Matt...

 

Not according to the police report.

[THUNDERBIRDS]

Not according to the police report.

 

And also not according to very close family of Luke Massa! All around sad situation. Everyone needs to please keep the St X family in their prayers. Also let the police investigation play it's role out before posting hearsay info on this site. I was caught telling my brother something I read on BGP about this situation that was nowhere near the facts. Plenty more will come out the next few days I'm sure. Rip Matt James