Hopi High football player Charles Youvella passed away Monday night after suffering an injury during his team's Saturday playoff football game. 

Charles father, Wallace, is a board member of the Arizona Interscholastic Association's executive board. Below is a statement the AIA released Monday night. 

PHOENIX, AZ (November 12, 2013) – We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss, of Charles Youvella, a senior at Hopi High School. Charles loved football and was a wide receiver.  During Saturday’s Division 5 First Round Playoff game against Arizona Lutheran Academy, Charles suffered a traumatic brain injury.  While hospitalized,  Charles passed away.  His father Wallace and family were by his side.  No additional details have been released. 

We send our condolences to the Youvella family and friends and encourage everyone to keep them in your thoughts and prayers.   Special thanks is extended to the administration and school community at Arizona Lutheran Academy for their incredible support. An account is being set up to assist in defraying the costs for the family. More information will be provided once it is available.