ATLANTA — A Cedar Grove High School football player died in a car crash over the weekend, the high school's principal said in a letter to families on Monday.
LaMarcus Parks, 17, a junior at the high school who starred on the school's football and wrestling teams, passed away due to the accident.
The school's principal, Clifton Spears, said three other students were also involved in the crash, but their injuries were non-life-threatening.
On Feb. 3, DeKalb Police said the three-vehicle crash happened around 6:40 p.m. at Bouldercrest Road and Smithfield Avenue. When officers arrived, they found Parks critically hurt and he later died due to his injuries. Authorities are still investigating the crash.
11Alive's Cody Alcorn spoke with Parks' football coach, John Adams. He said Parks was admired by his friends and teammates.
Adams said he was an "outstanding individual" who loved his coaches, football and his high school.
Parks was a standout on the 2023 Class AAA state championship football team, recording 14 quarterback sacks this year, Spears wrote in the letter.
"His goal was to take his football dreams to the collegiate level after high school," the letter stated.
Adams said the news of Parks' passing comes after another Cedar Grove High School student-athlete died suddenly. According to Antwan Davis' online obituary, he died June 17, just about eight months before Parks.
Adams said Parks and Davis were classmates, and they played football together. He added that this has been a hard time for the school.
Grief counselors are available for students and staff during this difficult time. The school's principal said if anyone needs any support to call Cedar Grove High's administrative and guidance team at (678) 874-4002.
"I hope you will remember the Parks family during this difficult time. We will also support the families of the other injured students as appropriate and requested," Spears concluded in the letter.
Editor's note: The date and manner of Davis' death was updated to reflect information from the family.