Former Hurricanes football captain dies following college game

A prayer vigil was held earlier this evening at Hightower High School for former football star Robert Grays. Grays passed away yesterday due to injuries he received while playing football for Midwestern State University.

It was a heartfelt event.

It was originally organized as a prayer vigil to support the Grays family while Robert was in the hospital.

The Hightower community were in absolute shock when they realized their event would now be a tribute to Robert.

A young life with so much promise cut tragically short.

"He's going to be missed by our boys and us as parents. So, it's hard it's hard." says Nicole Hollins, one of Grays former teammate's mother. In fact many parents of former players were in attendance to show support for the Grays family.

Robert Grays was 19 years old, a general business major, and starting corner back for Midwestern State University.

Now Grays will be remembered by his Alma Mater, Hightower High School as the small kid with the biggest smile.

Padriac McGunnis, the Hurricanes head football coach said "He was the first one on the practice field the last one on the practice field the first want to class and a small as he was he was the dad of the group."

Grays, severely injured his neck when he tackled a player during Saturday's game.

He was brought back to Houston for treatment in Sunday, but succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday.

The Hightower community, family and friends gathered in prayer, and remembering him as the captain who defied the odds since he was one of the smallest players.

Coach McGinnis said "he told me and Coach Jones "hey I'm playing college football" and we were like we're going to help you but you're small and you know he did it, he made it happen."

The Hurricanes colors green, black, and silver filled the sky, for Grays who helped lead the school to 3 district championships. Memorial services for him will take place this Saturday.