BLOOMINGDALE — Local schools are pulling together in memory of an Indian Creek High School football player and calling on the community to get involved.

The Indian Creek Football Parents organization is asking schools, businesses and community members to “Wear White for Bradyn White” on April 10 in tribute to the 17-year-old boy who passed away April 4 due to complications from pneumonia. Bradyn White, the son of Windy DaVia of Adena, was a junior in the welding program at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School and attended ICHS, plus he has played as both a offensive and defensive lineman for the Redskins for the past three years.

A fundraising effort has gotten underway through the ICHS Football Parents and organizers hoped to see more schools, businesses and community members participate.

“We will ‘Wear White for Brayden White’ on April 10 and donations can be dropped off at any Indian Creek school,” said member Brianne Schoolcraft. “He had been hospitalized at UPMC Children’s Hospital and we are raising funds to help Bradyn’s family with upcoming expenses.”

White had received an outpouring of thoughts and prayers from throughout the area and supporters adopted the hashtag #Bradynstrong online, but the Football Parents wanted to take things one step further with a fundraiser to show just how much people care.

“We are asking all schools to join us and have reached out to schools,” Schoolcraft added. “It’s a community-wide call to action and we want to get as many people involved as possible.”

She described Bradyn as a wonderful student and football player who also was “very kind and family-oriented.” Those sentiments were echoed among other officials.

“It’s been an honor to coach him and have him in school and as a football player for the past three years,” said football coach Andrew Connor. “He had a good heart.”

“He’s a good kid,” added welding instructor Todd Parker. “I really hope the community responds to help.”

“Our thoughts are with Bradyn’s family during this incredibly difficult time. He’d shown so much strength,” said JVS Principal Andy Long. “On April 10th, we are asking all staff and students to wear white to show support for Bradyn and his family.”

“Bradyn was a wonderful young man,” said ICHS Principal Louie Retton. “He was a good student and always put smiles on people’s faces. Our hearts and prayers go out to both Bradyn and his family.”

For more information about the fundraiser, visit the Indian Creek Football Parents Facebook page. Meanwhile, a separate GoFundMe account has been started by family members to help defray funeral costs.