Remembering Andre Jackson

On Friday, Sept. 23, Solon faced the Euclid Panthers at Stewart Field in what was supposed to be an ordinary football game between Greater Cleveland Conference (GCC) opponents. The Comets came away with the win, 33-13, but both teams experienced a loss that will live on within their respective programs forever.

On a kickoff return during Friday night’s game, Euclid High School junior Andre Jackson was unintentionally kicked in the abdomen while trying to recover the ball. He was injured on the play and was transported by ambulance to Ahuja Medical Center in Beachwood. He was released later that night.

While it seemed that everything was fine, on Sunday, Sept. 25, Andre unexpectedly passed away. Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner attributed the death due to peritonitis, an inflammation of the abdominal cavity lining.

“I was in total disbelief [upon hearing the news],” said Euclid High School senior Kassidy Jackson. “I was crying for the rest of that night and that following Monday.”

Andre’s death was a shock to many around the community and especially to those who attended school with him. Euclid senior Elizabeth Toth said the day after the news was released was the most difficult.

“On Monday I didn’t even want to go to school,” Toth said. “I knew it would be really hard, and it was. Everyone that had known [Andre] was crying and a lot of people who didn’t also were.”

Euclid senior Lauren Banasik agreed, adding that the return to school was noticeably different without Andre present.

“It’s like you could feel the emptiness left by him,” Banasik said. “The principal came on the announcements and had to inform the staff, and football players, and students that there were psychologists and counselors in the library if anyone needed assistance. Almost immediately after the announcement, a sea of football players were flowing through the hallway helping each other just to get to the library. So many tears were shed on that Monday [Andre’s death] affected anyone and everyone in the Panther family.”

All three students focused on Andre’s kindness, optimism, and humor as his defining qualities.

“When you were having a bad day, [Andre] would be there to pick you up,” Kassidy said. “…no matter where he went, he was positive and always smiling. His presence was vibrant.”

“Andre was insanely funny and cared for everyone he met,” Banasik added. “He was loved by everyone who knew him.”

While it’s hard dealing with a situation of this magnitude, Banasik noted the school will be doing their best to honor the life of a young man lost too soon.

“Andre’s locker is being decorated with notes and balloons from loved ones,” Banasik said. “The homecoming game opened with a moment of silence and a balloon release while Euclid’s Show Choir sang ‘The Lord Bless You and Keep You.’ The theme was also a blackout and the student section handed out candles.”

While Euclid High School football coach Jeff Rotsky and the rest of the team were unable to be reached for comment, they certainly showed how they felt on the field against Strongsville on Friday, Sept. 30, just a week after Andre’s fatal accident. After a touching pre-game commemoration, the Panthers went out and won 41-0, and dedicated the victory to Andre, who will live on in the hearts of  Euclid students and the Euclid community alike.

“I remember one day walking into a classroom after school and hearing [Andre] laughing contagiously and I couldn’t help but laugh at whatever he was laughing at,” Toth said. “…that’s how people should remember him. Always laughing, smiling and always happy.”