SALT LAKE CITY -- Utah Blaze receiver/linebacker Justin Skaggs remained unconscious and on a respirator Friday, one day after having emergency brain surgery.
Team spokesman Tom Goodhines said Skaggs, who was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor this month, went to University Hospitals early Thursday because of a severe headache. Doctors rushed him to surgery to relieve swelling on his brain, Goodhines said.
Skaggs' family was coming to Salt Lake City from Missouri to discuss their options.
Skaggs, 28, is in his third season in the Arena Football League and second with the Blaze. He also played in NFL Europe and appeared in one game for the Washington Redskins in 2002. AP NEWS The Associated Press News Service
Copyright 2006-2007, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved
I heard awhile ago he was doing well in the AFL. I hope he is alright, he was a skin although shortlived.
First Kevin Mitchell, now maybe Justin. The good really do die young.
I really hope Justin pulls through. I will be praying for him. This is shocking.
Just like Mitchell, one of the nicest Skins to talk to. I remember walking down the street with Skaggs when we were both on the way to practice in Carlisle just having a casual conversation. He never shyed away from a fan.
Thanks for posting CPall.
RIP Sean Taylor 1983-2007
RIP Kevin Mitchell 1971-2007
RIP Justin Skaggs 1979-2007
RIP Sammy Baugh 1914-2008
RIP JPFair
RIP VetSkinsFan
#60 Chris Samuels: 6-time 6-time 6-time 6-time 6-time 6-time Pro Bowl left tackle!
AFL player Skaggs dies after brain surgery June 15, 2007 CBS SportsLine.com wire reports
SALT LAKE CITY -- Utah Blaze receiver/linebacker Justin Skaggs died Friday, a day after emergency brain surgery.
Skaggs, recently diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor, had surgery Thursday to relieve swelling after he complained about a severe headache, Blaze spokesman Tom Goodhines said Friday.
The 28-year-old Skaggs remained unconscious and on a respirator after the surgery. His family traveled from Missouri and was with him when he was pronounced dead Friday at University Hospital, the team said.
"Justin will forever be a member of this team and a member of the Blaze family and he will be deeply missed by all," Blaze owner John Gaff said in a statement.
Skaggs was in his third season in the Arena Football League and second with the Blaze. He also played in NFL Europe and appeared in one game for the Washington Redskins in 2002.
A memorial service was scheduled for Monday at EnergySolutions Arena.
AP NEWS The Associated Press News Service
Copyright 2006-2007, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved
It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom – for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself.
I wish his family the best. I heard Tony Dungy say something on NFL Network yesterday about his son's passing, "Too may people focus on the times you won't be able to share with someone. If you could just focus on the good/great times you had with that person, your life will be much better." I really liked that and I doubt someone from his family is reading this but if they are, use this information. I will remember this forever.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Justin Skaggs memorial account at any Zions Bank. Checks can also be mailed to Zions Bank, One South Main Street, Suite 100, Salt Lake City, UT 84117.
I always wanted Justin to make the Skins. He went to a DII (or DIII) Christian college in Mo. I push for good guys like him to beat the odds. I have a good friend who saw Justin at training camp the years he tried out and he said he had some very good hands -- nearly the best of our WR's...now, I will admit, back then we had pretty lousy WRs!
I'm pretty sure JS has his pads on already and is playing some football in Heaven.
