A promising college football player’s life was tragically cut short when a fire tore through his grandfather’s home in Stone Mountain, Georgia, over the holidays.
Authorities confirmed that 21-year-old Izaiah Taylor, an offensive lineman for Georgia Military College, was found dead inside the home after flames erupted around 1 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 15. Taylor had returned home for winter break to spend time with his family, according to DeKalb County Fire Rescue.
By the time firefighters arrived, the house was already engulfed. Taylor was discovered inside and pronounced dead at the scene, NBC affiliate WXIA-TV reported.
Before joining Georgia Military College this season, Taylor played for Liberty University in 2024. His former teammates and coaches described him as a dedicated athlete with a big heart.
“Georgia Military College is deeply saddened by the loss of one of our students, Izaiah Taylor,” the college said in a statement. “Our hearts are with Izaiah’s family, friends, classmates, and all those who knew and loved him.”
Taylor’s grandfather, Gregory Edwards, spoke through tears about the devastating loss.
“He was one of the kindest people you would have ever known. He wasn’t a bully,” Edwards told reporters. “He was a good boy. He didn’t deserve this. You don’t bury your grandchildren.”
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Taylor’s passing marks yet another heartbreaking loss in the college sports community this year, following several young athletes who died under tragic circumstances.
Source: Fox 5 Atlanta, WXIA-TV, WRDW-TV
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