High School Football Player Dies

By Russell Bradley

Published: August 26, 2008

Update: 6:17 pm

It has been a tough few days at Pendleton High School.  On Tuesday, students walked the same halls where they took shelter from severe weather the day before.  It is where Harold Robinson says he wanted to be the day after a devastating loss.  “It’s better to have people with you than going it alone,” he says.

Robinson’s life changed forever when his little brother died early Tuesday morning following surgery.  Avery Robinson’s death was the hemorrhagic pancreatitis, a natural disease process, according to Anderson County Coroner’s Office.  Avery was a 14-year-old junior varsity football player with a dream of one day becoming a star like his brother.  His brother Harold is now a senior on the varsity team - with a shot at the big time.  “It was just so painful watching him pass away…my little brother… I was supposed to take care of him and watch over him.  I just felt so helpless seeing him like that,“ says Robinson.

Both brothers played for Pendleton High School coach and athletic director Paul Sutherland, who told News Channel 7, “I guess my son said it best.  Everyone loved Avery. Daddy, everyone loved Avery.  I know you hear that a lot, but in this case, it’s true.  I promise. “

Sutherland planned to cancel Thursday night’s JV game in Avery’s memory.  He says the brothers’ mom asked them to play in his honor.  The games will go on. 

Harold says he knows the little brother he watched over during his short time here on earth, will be watching over him when he takes to the field Friday night. 

Avery Robinson’s funeral will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at New Holy Light Baptist Church in Anderson.

*****

Shock and sadness in Pendleton this morning, after a Pendleton High School football player dies after surgery.

The Anderson County Coroner tells us 14-year-old Avery Robinson, a 9th grader, died early this morning after having surgery at a local hospital. The coroner says an autopsy showed the teen died as the result of a hemorrhage in the pancreas, but that has not been ruled as the official cause of death.  Shore did say the death appears to be natural, and was not caused by any traumatic injury.  The death is still under investigation. 

Robinson was a wide receiver on the junior varsity football team.

Counselors were called to meet with students at the high school.