HS Football Player Dead At 17 After Car Collides With 18-Wheeler Hauling Chickens

Raleigh High School football player Isaiah Strickland tragically lost his life in a car accident on Wednesday morning.

He was just 17.

“He was a great kid,” Lions coach Ryan Higdon said. “The young man had an infectious smile. (He) was always smiling, and always seemed to be in a good mood. Everybody at this school loved him.

“He was just a very likable, well-respected young man.”

‘I never saw us not playing tonight:’ How Raleigh football honored Isaiah Strickland two days after his death https://t.co/x3cbUUg6FB

— Clarion Ledger (@clarionledger) September 24, 2022

Strickland was behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Avalanche when his vehicle collided with a 2014 Kenworth 18-wheeler that was hauling chickens.

Thoughts and prayers are with Raleigh High School. Isaiah Strickland, a junior and a member of the football team, was killed in a car accident on the way to school this morning. ?

— Brandon Shields (@bshields0244) September 21, 2022

Tomorrow night, the 11 yard line ticks will be blacked out in memory of #11 Isaiah Strickland. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Raleigh school, team, and community. pic.twitter.com/YMNjmK0qOv

— Sebastopol Bobcat Football (@football_bobcat) September 23, 2022

Strickland joined the Lions football program last spring and immediately made an impact on the coaching staff.

The 17-year-old was a starting defensive back for Raleigh and had 22 tackles and two fumble recoveries this season.