NOTRE DAME'S TOP RECRUIT KILLED IN SPRING BREAK TRAGEDY
The top prospect from incoming head coach Brian Kelly's first recruiting class was killed Friday evening in Panama City Florida. A police spokesman said Matt James from Cincinnati Ohio died instantly after falling from a 3rd story balcony at a Days Inn Hotel. The 6' 6" 300-pound tackle was one week from his 18th birthday. Hundreds of his fellow students attended a candlelight vigil at his high school, St. Xavier, last night around 10PM. James was rated as the 15th best tackle in the nation by Rivals.com. He was heavily recruited by Florida, Alabama, Cincinnati & Ohio State before signing with Notre Dame. Kelly said he expected James to be the cornerstone of his first recruiting class.
Regardless of his athletic standing, this is a senseless tragedy, why is a 17-year old 1,000 miles away from home on spring break? Truly sad.
**UPDATE Saturday 5PM
Panama City Florida police said in their report "Matt James was drunk & belligerent" just before falling from a 3rd story balcony to his death. According to the report "James was hanging over the balcony railing arguing with people on a balcony next door. As he was shaking his finger at them, he fell." James was with 40 other students from St. Xavier High School & 6 parents serving as chaperons. Police were investigating where James obtained the alcohol that contributed to his death.
Regardless of his athletic standing, this is a senseless tragedy, why is a 17-year old 1,000 miles away from home on spring break? Truly sad.
**UPDATE Saturday 5PM
Panama City Florida police said in their report "Matt James was drunk & belligerent" just before falling from a 3rd story balcony to his death. According to the report "James was hanging over the balcony railing arguing with people on a balcony next door. As he was shaking his finger at them, he fell." James was with 40 other students from St. Xavier High School & 6 parents serving as chaperons. Police were investigating where James obtained the alcohol that contributed to his death.
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