Tributes Paid to Robbie Roper, High School Quarterback Dead at 18 After Surgery

Tributes have poured in for a Georgia high school football star who died at the age of 18 earlier this week.

Robbie Roper, a quarterback for Roswell High School, died following complications related to a surgery, according to Fox 5 Atlanta.

He had gained attention from other teams due to his skill on the field, and was described by the school's athletic department as "an incredible young man" who "made a huge impact on his teammates, classmates, and the community."

In a post on Instagram on Wednesday, Roper's sister Breanna Roper wrote that she was "gonna miss my favorite supporter in the stands and I'll miss being in yours."

She also wrote on Twitter that Roper was "able to touch so many hearts."

Georgia football team the Atlanta Falcons said they were "saddened" by Roper's passing.

"It is clear the impact Robbie has had on so many in the Roswell community and beyond, from family and friends to teammates and class-mates, and so many more," the team wrote in a statement posted to Twitter.

Jim Mora, head coach of the University of Connecticut football team, described Roper as "a fine young man who will be greatly missed," and said the UConn team "sends our most heartfelt sympathies and prayers to the Roper family."

Katha Stuart, District 1 Representative for the Fulton County Board of Education in Georgia, said the Roswell High School community was mourning "the tragic passing" of the student.

"Words cannot express the sadness & concern for Robbie's family & friends," Stuart tweeted on Wednesday. "Should any students need support, please reach out to Text4Help. There is always someone there to listen."

Chris Prewett, head football coach at Roswell High School, knew Roper for nearly two years. He posted a statement on Twitter acknowledging the "endless amount of work" he would put in before games and detailed how he would read to elementary school students.

"I've tried to put into words how this feels and how much of an impact this young man had on myself and our program," the statement read. "You were taken from this world way too soon."

Georgia news outlet CBS46 reported that support had been coming in for Roper whilst he was battling the complications related to his surgery.

According to 247Sports, Roper had offers to play college football from Massachusetts, Morehead State, Morgan State and Western Carolina.

Spectator sports in the U.S., including the NFL, have faced uncertainty recently amid a rise in COVID cases.