Hightower HS alum suffered fatal neck injury during college football game

WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KTRK) -- A college football player who graduated high school in Missouri City died after suffering an in-game injury over the weekend.

Robert Grays suffered a serious neck injury Saturday playing for Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas.

According to the school's newspaper, the sophomore was being treated in Houston for his critical injuries. On Tuesday, Grays died.

ABC13 spoke with Grays' former coach, his youth pastor and family. They said they called him "Little Rob" and his smile is what they'll miss about the 19-year-old.

"Robert passed, but he passed doing something he loved. His mother expressed that last night," said Grays' great aunt Jackie Lane. "He really loved playing football and she was happy that he was doing something that he loved. "

In a statement, the school remarked on Grays' impact at Midwestern State.

"Robert touched many lives while attending the university, but perhaps he will be remembered best for his smile," said school president Suzanne Shipley. "He was an inspiration on and off the field to those around him."

Grays' former football team at Hightower High School paid tribute to their alum Wednesday morning. He graduated from the school in 2016.

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