BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Caleb White, a 17-year-old basketball player, was a standout both on and off the court.
Darrell Barber, White’s basketball coach, described him as “one of those guys who moves to the beat of his own drum.”
Coach Barber described White as a jokester, dynamic leader, and natural-born leader. Knowing Caleb, according to Barber, is to love him.
“He was and still is number one,” Barber remarked.
With the number on his shirt to match, Barber says he knew he was a star from the moment they met.
“He just had a spirit about himself that made people gravitate towards him,” said Barber.
Unfortunately, Barber observed White’s final minutes alive while playing in a pickup basketball game on Thursday.
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“He dribbled right there, and he fell and was gasping, gasping for air,” said Barber.
Barber claimed he’ll never forget that vision.
“To see him like that, I’ve just never experienced anything like that,” Barber added.
The event occurred on the same court where he had previously played. Everyone there, according to Coach Barber, sprung into action, dialling 911, administering CPR, and doing everything they could to keep him alive.
White was rushed to the hospital and died there. Coach Barber stated that he was there every step of the way with his parents.
“Just me being at the hospital with them and going through that ordeal with them I don’t wish that on anybody,” said Barber.
He thinks it’s difficult for him as a coach since White is like a son he never had.
With White’s colleagues in mourning, Barber stated that the number one will live on in their hearts.“Their hurt right now but at the end of the day, every game we play, he’ll have his jersey on that seat.” said Barber.
An autopsy was planned for Friday to establish the cause of death for White. Coach Barber has stated that he intends to host a candlelight tribute in his honour soon.
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