H.S. FOOTBALL: Haywood football player Maclin dies

BROWNSVILLE – Haywood High football player Tekarian Maclin died Wednesday afternoon in Memphis after morning practice.

Maclin was a 16-year-old student at Haywood who was about to begin his junior year of high school.

Haywood Schools associate superintendent Art Garrett confirmed Superintendent Teresa Russell was with Maclin's family Wednesday night. Garrett released a statement on Maclin's passing.

"The Haywood County Board of Education is saddened by today's tragic events regarding Tekarian Maclin," the statement said. "Our thoughts are with his family during this time of bereavement."

Garrett confirmed reports an ambulance had been called to the fieldhouse after practice Wednesday morning, but he said that's all he knew; he didn't know who called for help.

The National Weather Service indicated there were heat index readings of 111 degrees at McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport at 3 p.m. An excessive heat warning including Haywood and Madison counties was issued at 3:26 p.m.

At 11 a.m. the heat index was at 109 degrees.

Haywood head football coach Steve Hookfin replied to a text asking for information.

"It was not heat- or football-related," Hookfin's text said. "Can't say much at this time."

Kelly South contributed to this report.

Brandon Shields, 425-9751