On Thanksgiving Day, a distressing event unfolded at a Massachusetts high school football game. A sophomore player, Rohan Shukla, was hospitalized with a "traumatic brain injury" after collapsing on the team's sideline during play. The school's superintendent, Peter J. Botelho, and principal, Kristen Keenan, promptly issued a joint statement to inform the community.

Immediate Response and Game Termination

The trainer, coaches, and emergency personnel responded without delay. The game was immediately terminated to ensure Rohan received the necessary medical attention. He was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. His parents, Abhishek and Deepika, have been sharing information about his condition with the school officials. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Rohan and his family during this difficult time. We respect their privacy and will share more information as it becomes available.

Availability of Counselors

The school officials announced that counselors would be available to students over the weekend. In such a disturbing incident, it is understandable for classmates, staff, and community members to feel a range of emotions such as fear, sadness, and questions. Providing counseling support is an important step in helping the community cope.

Injury Details and Game Context

Rohan's injury occurred with about two minutes left in the first half of the annual Thanksgiving Day game against Oliver Ames High School. This incident has had a profound impact on the entire school community. His teammates, like Shayak Saha, have expressed their deep concern. Shayak described the incident as "very sad" and said it was painful to see a fellow student get hurt. But they all believe Rohan is a strong kid and will push through this challenging time.

Fundraising Efforts

One of Rohan's teammates launched a GoFundMe fundraiser following the incident. By the end of the fundraiser, they had raised $25,920 for the Shukla family. This outpouring of support from the community shows the strength of their bond. It is a testament to the caring nature of the people in this area.Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.