East Texas high school football player dies after collapsing on sideline

ALTO, TX -- An east Texas community is in mourning after a star athlete died, reports Tyler ABC affiliate KLTV.

Cam'Ron Matthews, who plays for the Alto Yellowjackets, collapsed on the sidelines during a game Friday night and died yesterday.

Last night, the community came out to the football field to remember Matthews, who mourners say was so much more than a football player.

"When you have your own kids and you want them to emulate someone and follow in their footsteps, Cam'Ron was a perfect example of that," Alto ISD Superintendent Kerry Birdwell told KLTV. "Great kid in the classroom, unbelievable athlete, but more importantly just a great, great kid."

Cam'Ron's teammates stood at the center of the field last night in prayer, offering each other comfort during this time of unimaginable loss. Together, they say, they'll all get through this for Cam'ron.

"It'd amazing how everybody steps up and I'm very proud to be part of the community," said Birdwell. "And very proud to be part of this school district."

Matthews' cause of death is not known. According to the district, he told teammates in the huddle he felt dizzy before collapsing.