Tragic news to report this evening, as Irish recruit Matt James died after a fall from a hotel balcony while on spring break in Panama City, Florida. The senior in high school from St. Xavier in Cincinnati was one of the prized recruits of Brian Kelly’s first recruiting class.
There aren’t many details right now, but WKRC-TV in Cincinnati and the South Bend Tribune are both reporting that the 6-6, 300-pound offensive tackle passed away after falling from a third-floor balcony on spring break. James was a week shy of his 18th birthday.
James signed with the Irish over the hometown Ohio State Buckeyes, giving Brian Kelly a much needed left tackle recruit. He was a three-year starter and an All-State selection as well.
There’s not much to say right now, other than this is a terrible tragedy.
The following link will be updated as the story develops.