“He’s probably the most unique 19-year-old that anyone has ever met. He was extremely intentional in everything he did,” said aunt Melissa Grubbs.
PROSPER, Texas — A large number of friends and family gathered outside Children’s Health Stadium in Prosper to remember the young man who died on Texas roads this week.
Caden Clay, 19, died in a car accident near Longview. Clay, who lived in Prosper and attended Prosper High School, was headed to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where he goes to college.
The University of Alabama sophomore was studying sports management and was the equipment manager for the Alabama football team.
“I just got the message that he’s gone. It was heartbreaking, it was terrible,” said his uncle JT Grubbs.
Clay was described as a very motivated, kind and very talented young man.
“He’s probably the most unique 19-year-old that anyone has ever met. He was extremely intentional in everything he did,” said his aunt Melissa Grubbs.
His high school football coaches said Caden or ‘Slick Willie’ had always wanted to be the equipment manager for the football powerhouse. Coach Devin Lemons said if Caden commits to something, he’s destined to get it.
“You couldn’t beat him. He had the best outlook and the most positive attitude toward life,” Coach Lemons said.
Community mourns death of Prosper, TX teenager in accident
Last week, Caden brought lunch to coaches Ty Lenard and Lemons before leaving for Alabama for summer camps. The coaches are heartbroken knowing that those would be the last moments they would share.
“I have two little girls and the only children I have are my players. So hugging a child can’t replace that,” Lenard said.
Some caps and t-shirts that say #BEACADEN are sold around town. The family tells WFAA that Caden relied a lot on his faith and that’s what separated him from his peers.
“I can’t think of anything anyone would want to be more than a Caden. That young man was incredible,” Grubbs said.
Alabama Football dedicated a social media post expressing condolences to the Clay family.
Alabama mourns the loss of student football director Caden Clay. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Posted by Alabama Football on Wednesday, May 29, 2024
The family tells WFAA that legendary Alabama coach Nick Saban and his family sent a bouquet of flowers to the family home in Prosper. Meanwhile, the high school he attended and City Hall were lit crimson red in Caden’s honor.
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