Rocky Clark Dead: Paralyzed Chicago-Area Athlete Dies After 11-Year Fight

ROBBINS, Ill. — A former suburban Chicago high school football player who was paralyzed from the neck down when he was tackled during a game in 2000 has died.

Ingalls Memorial Hospital spokeswoman Susan Fine says Rasul "Rocky" Clark died Thursday evening. Clark's pastor, the Rev. Anthony Williams of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Robbins, tells the Chicago Sun-Times the 27-year-old was surrounded by family members when he died.

Clark was a junior running back for the Eisenhower High School in Blue Island when his head hit the ground in a tackle during a game against Oak Forest High School.

Clark's neck was broken in two places and he was hospitalized for nine months.

Nonetheless, he graduated high school. Robbins says he had "a will and a spirit beyond human words."

Comments

[HockeyMomma]

05:05 PM on 01/13/2012

I wonder if he'd still be alive today had his medical insurance not been cut off? I realize insurance is a business, but that doesn't mean business people can't treat others humanely.

God Bless you Rocky - Long May You Run.....

[preachermandaug39]

07:34 PM on 01/09/2012

I just want to send a prayer out to the family at this time , Rocky was a fighter on and off the field. God bless you and I will keep the family in my prayers .

[llmalay04]

10:02 AM on 01/09/2012

My thoughts and prayers are sent out to this young man and his family. Saw a documentary on him several months ago and I was touched by his story. I pray that God brings comfort to him and his family. God Bless

[llmalay04]

09:53 AM on 01/09/2012

My thoughts and prayers go out to this young man and family. I watched a documentary on him several months ago. From what I saw he was strong willed and fought this battle for many years with his mother by his side. May God bless his family and bring them comfort in this time of need.

[MajorDem]

11:48 PM on 01/07/2012

Rest in Peace.
God bless.

[MsG7]

04:41 PM on 01/07/2012

Fly away young man....and rest well in God's arms....I see white doves...ahhh...peace...I pray that his family have peace in God's comfort.

[Christine Fowler]

08:50 AM on 01/07/2012

Sending warm hugs from Oregon to your family.

[MaryfromIL]

01:58 AM on 01/07/2012

Rest in Peace, child. I was so touched by his story over the years, it's such a difficult road. And the dedication of his family.

Blessings to him and his family.

[happiness333]

11:01 PM on 01/06/2012

Rest in peace.

[TJ25]

10:58 PM on 01/06/2012

check this out
http://www.youtube.com/user/TheRevolutionPAC?v=8Rv0Z5SNrF4&feature=pyv&ad=8219313610&kw=is%20ron%20paul%20a%20bigot

[edejan]

10:36 PM on 01/06/2012

Such a sad burden on a young life. RIP after your long years of suffering!

[morganthepirate]

10:12 PM on 01/06/2012

Rest in the Lord Bro. Rocky,you have shed that earthly body.................

[cque8]

09:24 PM on 01/06/2012

This is so sad.

[BluebirdofUnhappiness]

09:05 PM on 01/06/2012

RIP Mr. Clark. I saw him on television several times and we could all wish to be so brave. Sincere sympathy and prayers to his family.

[Leon Holston Sr]

05:57 PM on 01/06/2012

my deepest sympathy to this young warriors family,stay as strong as he was.