A 15-year-old Jr. Varsity football player for Niceville High School died early Saturday morning, several hours after he was injured in a Friday night football jamboree game.

Taylor Haugen, a sophomore wide receiver, was injured in the second half of the game in a collision with two players from the opposing Ft. Walton Beach team.

He sustained a fatal abdominal injury and collapsed shortly after jogging back to the sideline.

He was rushed to a nearby hospital but died in a few hours. Okaloosa County’s Public Safety Director said the very unusual injury was so severe and instantaneous that no one was able to save his life.

His coach, John Hicks said Taylor will be remembered as a student who loved to play football, enjoyed his teammates and the competition that football brings. He always had a smile on his face and positive attitude.