A Georgia high school community is grieving the heartbreaking death of a 16-year-old football player who fought through a devastating medical battle that left him unable to move and communicating only through blinks.
Loganville High School announced last week that student-athlete Gunnar Redding Bible had died after what the school described as a “long and courageous battle” with Guillain-Barré syndrome, pneumonia and lupus.
The school shared the news on Facebook on behalf of Gunnar’s family, asking the community to keep his loved ones in their prayers.
“Please join us in keeping the family and our community in your thoughts and prayers,” the school wrote.
“After a long and courageous battle, Gunnar transitioned Wednesday,” the post continued. “Thank you, Gunna, for your strength, your heart, and the impact you made on our team and our community. You will never be forgotten.”
Gunnar was a member of the Loganville High School football team, where he was remembered not just as an athlete, but as a young man who left a lasting mark on the people around him.
His mother, Teresa Redding, opened up about his condition in a GoFundMe post last month, explaining that her son had been admitted to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, pneumonia and lupus.
“He is only 16, has been an athlete his entire life, and now he is incapable of moving his limbs,” she wrote.
She said Gunnar had been on a respirator since being admitted to the hospital as his family faced mounting medical bills and an unimaginable crisis.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Guillain-Barré syndrome is a condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves. It can cause weakness, numbness and paralysis. Lupus is also an autoimmune disease, in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and organs.
As Gunnar’s condition worsened, his mother shared that he was only “able to communicate with blinks.” She also said he suffered kidney complications during his hospitalization.
The fundraiser created to help Gunnar’s family has raised more than $7,000.
His death has shaken Loganville High School and the wider community, where classmates, teammates, coaches and loved ones are now mourning a teenager remembered for his strength and heart.
A balloon release was scheduled over the weekend at Loganville High School in Gunnar’s honor, according to local reports.
Loganville High School head football coach Nic Snowden said the loss has been deeply felt by the team.
“We will all miss you dearly Gunnar,” Snowden said, according to Atlanta News First.
For the Loganville Red Devils football family, Gunnar’s fight will not be forgotten.
