SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) -
Stuart Sligh, 16, proudly wore number five as he represented the Savannah Country Day School's Hornets football team. Sligh displayed such great leadership and talent, the sophomore was named co-captain of the team.
Headmaster Marcia Hull said, "It isn't easy for a sophomore to have to direct juniors and seniors, but they came to completely respect him."
Dennis Coyle, Head Football Coach of the Hornets, shared a statement saying, "Stuart Sligh was a wonderful young man. As his coach, I am struggling with his passing and I am praying for Our Lord to help our entire community through this difficult time. Stuart epitomized what a scholar athlete should be and he will be missed terribly. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sligh family. Our Hornet Family will be with them forever. Stuart we miss you and love you."
But Sligh was more than just a football star. Many say it's what he did while away from the gridiron that made him a standout.
"Just last week he talked with our 7th and 8th grade kids," said Hull.
In that speech, Hull said Sligh was sharing his excitement of playing varsity sports and encouraging them to join. The school is now encouraging the Sligh Family, including Stuart's younger sister, who's in middle school at Savannah Country Day, to move forward.
"As a parent myself, I can't imagine what they're dealing with," Hull said.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is still investigating the crash, but said Saturday afternoon Sligh was driving a Toyota pickup on a private dirt road at the New River Hunting Club just outside Hardeeville, South Carolina when he lost control and the truck overturned.
Police said Sligh was not wearing a seatbelt. His passenger, sophomore football teammate William Woods, was wearing a seatbelt and survived the accident. Woods was taken to Memorial University Medical Center and later released.
Funeral services for Stuart Sligh will be held at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 21 at Christ Church Episcopal with a private burial following at Groton Plantation.
In lieu of flowers, the Sligh Family is asking remembrances are made to the Stuart F. Sligh, Jr. Athletic Scholarship Fund, 123 East Charlton Street, Savannah, GA 31401.
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