High school football player dies from head injury

A 17-year-old high school football player from Spokane died after suffering a head injury during a game Friday night. Andrew “Drew” Fremont Swank, a junior at Valley Christian School, was pronounced dead at 9:42 p.m. Sunday, according to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center. Swank was a star player for the school’s football program, which began in fall 2007, according to news archives. The team was playing Washtucna High School at Washtucna, south of Ritzville. His organs will be donated, according to a news release from the school. “He is a Christian and a hero,” the news release said. “Drew is now in heaven with God. He is a true testament of faith in God.” Swank is survived by his parents, four sisters and three brothers. “His family loves him so much and is so appreciative of everyone’s thoughts and prayers,” the news release said. A fund to help pay for medical costs has been set up at STCU under the name Andrew Swank. The school will hold an assembly today to discuss Swank’s death.