Students from St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, Ohio are mourning for the sudden death of offensive lineman Matt James, after he reportedly fell from hotel balcony over spring break.

Matt James, one of the nation’s most sought-after football players this year, fell from the third-floor balcony of the Days Inn on Front Beach Road in Florida on Friday night. Police are still investigating as to what exactly occurred that night that led to Matt James‘ fall.

Students have already gathered together just after midnight Saturday to hold a vigil for Matt James.

The 6-foot-6, 290-pound American has already been drafted by Notre Dame to play for them during the fall. One of James’ friends said Friday that he remembers telling Matt James to be safe and not to do anything that will mess up his scholarship.

“It’s hard to believe it happened,” says Kyle Bedinghaus, a friend of Matt and one of the organizers of the vigil. “You hear it happens all the time, but when it’s someone you know, it’s scary.”

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