NEW LONDON (KYTX) - Family and friends are remembering 16-year-old Adarian Parker one day after he was killed in a one vehicle accident on Highway 323 near New London.
CBS 19's Katiera Winfrey spoke to Parker's coach -- who says the team is going to have to stick close together to get through this.
The gridiron at West Rusk High School will be missing one important piece at the beginning of the football season. It's 16-year-old varsity lineman Adarian Parker.
"Appreciate everything we have in life because its very fragile and it can be taken away form us in a split second," said Parker's coach John Frazier.
Parker was killed and a teammate suffered minor injuries in a car crash on highway 323 after leaving football practice Friday night.
"Plain heart broken and that's to be expected and it's just something we're gonna get through and we're gonna get through together," said Frazier.
The initial investigation shows the Parker's SUV may have malfunctioned. Parker then lost control, drove off the road and slammed into a tree. He was pronounced dead on the scene.
"He was a lovable kid happy fun spirited kid that brought a lot of goodness in the people around him."
Coach Frazier said Parker's joy for life exceeded his nearly 300 pound frame.
"When I think of Adarian and his name, the first thing that pops to mind is his smile and his personality that would light up a room."
Since Parker was a kid, he dreamed of becoming an NFL player, but now his love for the sport, will have to be carried on by his team.
"This year's group is probably closer than any group we've had in eight years."
The coaching staff is expected to meet with the team to talk about Adarian's death. As of now, funeral arrangements are pending.