How did Robbie Roper die? Georgia high school footballer, 18, was a 3.9 GPA holder
The football fraternity in Georgia woke up to the tragic news of the death of Robbie Roper, an 18-year-old promising football player from the 2022 batch. Roper, who was a star quarterback at the Roswell High School team, had more than 3,000 yards and 37 touchdowns in the past season. In fact, he recorded 447 yards and 6 touchdowns in a single game. After leading his high school team to a record 10-3 victory, Roper was also named Georgia's Region 5 Class 7A Player Of The Year.
The news of Roper's shocking death comes on the heels of the demise of Pro Bowl star Demaryius Thomas, who was found dead at his home recently. On November 30, 2021, Oxford school football star Tate Myre lost his life in the horrific mass shooting by Ethan Crumbley. The same day, former footballer Otis Anderson Jr's father was arrested for fatally shooting his son in Florida.
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How did Robbie Roper die?
Roper was reportedly undergoing shoulder surgery on Sunday, December 19, and was admitted to the hospital for the same. However, he suffered severe complications from the procedure which eventually caused his death on December 22. "Robbie did everything in life with a contagious positive and energetic attitude that will be missed by all who knew him. Robbie fought hard and battled until the very end like he did everything else," his school football coach Chris Prewett said.
His death was announced by his family over a social media statement. "Hey guys it's the Roper family. We just wanted to update everyone on Robbie. Robbie just passed. He was the biggest joy to our family. We are proud of the young man he has become. He will be missed by his friends and family dearly. We are still working on funeral arrangements and will update everyone on the date, time, and location," the statement read.
Hey everyone, here is the update on Robbie. pic.twitter.com/oZuzCT7czf
— Robbie Roper 6'4 215lb Dual Threat QB / GPA 3.9 (@robbieroper2022) December 22, 2021
Roper was at the brink of a promising football career at top colleges as he had already landed offers from multiple institutions, including Massachusetts, Morehead State and the Florida Gators. The Gators mourned his tragic death saying, "During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with the Roper family."
The 3.9 GPA holder was also remembered by his teammates, close friends and family members. Roswell team's tight end Zeke Moore said, "Obviously everyone knew what he could do on the field, but once he got in the building and started to talk people who don’t know how football works - they know Robbie." He added, "He was truly someone everyone knew and looked up to in a lot of ways," said Moore. "He cared about everyone else. He always had a good balance in life, whether it’s having fun, working hard, or winning."
Meanwhile, Robbie's sister Breanna Roper shared, "LIVE LIKE 5. Robbie was able to touch so many hearts. I am beyond proud of the man he has become, and can only wish to be half as good of a teammate, leader, and person that Robbie was."