A RISING American football star has died in a devastating motorbike crash.
The accident has happened just weeks after he committed to playing for Eastern Michigan University.
Eastern Michigan football commit Elijah Berman has died aged 17 after an accident[/caption]
The teenager was hit by a truck in Franklin Ohio[/caption]
Elijah Berman, 17, was riding his motorcycle in Franklin, Ohio on Tuesday when he was hit by a massive semi-truck at an intersection.
The talented teen who had only recently accepted a spot in EMU’s 2026 recruiting class was rushed to hospital but sadly couldn’t be saved.
The crash happened at 5.12pm, when Elijah’s 2006 Suzuki DL1000 collided with a 1995 Peterbilt 379 driven by 41-year-old Anthony Allen from Michigan.
Cops say the truck struck Elijah in the intersection.
Allen suffered non-life-threatening injuries but heartbreak followed as Elijah later died at Atrium Medical Center.
Tributes have poured in for the high school senior who was known not just for his football skills but for his huge heart and infectious smile.
Greg Mueller, principal of Chaminade Julienne High School in Dayton said: “It is with broken hearts that our community comes together to embrace the family and friends of Elijah Berman.
“Eli was an all-around Eagle—on the football field, on the track, and in the classroom.
“He had just accepted an offer to play college football.
“He was a leader, a mentor, and a young man full of life.”
His heartbroken coach also posted an emotional tribute on X, saying: “Elijah was ultra talented, yet it was his big heart, infectious smile, & awesome personality that made us fall in love with him. RIP Elijah.”
The sports world is mourning a bright future cut tragically short.
