Manchester football player dies tragically on eve of state finals

The Manchester football team and Blue Devils community were hit with an unimaginable tragedy on Sunday with the loss of 17-year-old Brandon Smith--who was reported dead in a joint letter issued by the Meriwether County School System Superintendent Dr. Robert A. Griffin and Manchester High School Principal Mrs. Suze Neal. The devastating news surrounding the sophomore defensive lineman broke on the eve of Manchester's matchup with Bowdon slated for Monday night at 7 p.m. in the Class A Division II state championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The letter was posted on Facebook on Sunday and support poured in the midst of the shocking developments. In the letter, the Meriwether County School District described Smith as a "loyal teammate and friend who excelled on and off the field," adding that he will be "deeply missed."

Details surrounding Smith's death are set to be released. According to reports by 11Alive's Cody Alcon, there was a search issued for Smith on Saturday when he was reported missing. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation confirmed on Sunday that the Manchester Police requested their assistance in the investigation.

"We are heartbroken to hear the news of the tragic and untimely death of one of our student-athletes," the district stated while addressing the news breaking the day before the finals. "Manchester High School's celebration of playing for the Georgia D-II Football Championship has unfortunately turned into something that none of us could have fathomed."

Manchester opened its season against defending state champion Bowdon and won 21-20--earning them Week 1 statewide team of the week honors and and will make its first championship appearance since winning in 1997.