DEERFIELD BEACH, FL. (THECOUNT) — Deerfield Beach star wide receiver, defensive back and Georgia Tech hopeful, Bryce Gowdy, died Monday after he was struck by a freight train. He was 17.

Gowdy was struck by a freight train around 4 a.m. on Monday in the area of Southeast Fourth Avenue and Southeast 10th Street in Deerfield Beach, according to a preliminary incident report from the Broward Sheriff’s Office, reports Sun-Sentinel.

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Gowdy was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.

“Our entire Georgia Tech football family is devastated by the news of Bryce’s passing,” Georgia Tech coach Geoff Collins said in a statement. “Bryce was an outstanding young man with a very bright future. He was a great friend to many, including many of our current and incoming team members.

“On behalf of our coaches, players, staff and families, we offer our deepest condolences to Bryce’s mother, Shibbon, and his brothers, Brisai and Brayden, as well as the rest of his family members, his teammates and coaches at Deerfield Beach High School, and his many friends. Bryce and his family will always be a part of the Georgia Tech football family.”

Gowdy played wide receiver and defensive back at Deerfield Beach High School. He committed to Georgia Tech in July and signed his letter of intent during the early signing period in December. Gowdy chose Georgia Tech over schools like Auburn, Florida, Florida State and Georgia, reports CBSSPORTS.

Geo quick facts: Deerfield Beach is a city in Broward County, Florida, United States, just south of the Palm Beach County line. The city is named for the numerous deer that once roamed the area. As of the 2010 United States Census, the population was 75,018 – Wikipedia.