Lenoir City (WVLT) - A 14-year-old Lenoir City freshman has died from an injury he sustained in class Wednesday.

The victim's classmates tell us it was just a freak accident.

It was a tragic day at Lenoir City High School. Fourteen-year-old Coty Bluford died from an injury he sustained after a collision during a flag football game in class.

"He and another classmate playing football, and the kid playing with hit Coty's temple," classmate Jessica Sarten said.

Jessica says he was taken to a local hospital then flown by Lifestar to UT Medical Center where he died from severe trauma to the brain. Coty's classmates are looking at the yearbook they just got a week ago, and can't believe Coty's gone.

"All pretty down in the dumps because it's a freak accident and it's really sad," classmate Megan Lange said.

Megan was shocked when she heard the news during lunch break. She remembers seeing Coty in the hallways during school.

"He was a great kid, he had a lot of friends, and he was an athlete and a nice young man," Lange said.

A nice young man who everyone was praying for today not realizing the extent of the injuries. Then after most of the student body had left for the day, Jessica got word Coty didn't make it.

"I think everyone is going to be a little shocked once the principal announces it," Sarten said

It's one announcement about a student a principal hopes to never have to make.

We tried to speak to the superintendent on camera, but he was unable to comment. He did tell us they will have counselors at school Thursday to talk the students.

Coty's funeral will be held on what would have been his 15th birthday.

The family will receive friends Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Lenoir City. The funeral will follow.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Lakeview Cemetary in Lenoir City.