MARIANNA, FL (WTXL) - Herman Williams was a stand-out basketball player at Marianna High School in Jackson County receiving a division one scholarship to continue his career at Louisiana-Lafayette but Monday night, Herman's life was cut short after collapsing during a pick-up game.
Friends ran to a fire station across the street for help, but attempts to revive Herman were unsuccessful.
"He's out there playing basketball, laughing, having fun. Next minute you know, he's gone. It's kind of hard to wrap it around," said Desean Enzor a Godby student and friend of Herman. "If God calls you in, it's your time. Herman's in heaven playing basketball now."
Herman celebrated his 19th birthday on Sunday and was set to head to Louisiana next week to start his career with the Ragin' Cajuns.
The sports community is small and athletes across the Big Bend and South Georgia played with and against Herman throughout the years.
Matt Anderson, the Marianna Head Coach, watched Herman play over his high-school career, "I've been coaching 28 years, and education experience, nothing prepares you for this. He was a great player, but he was an even greater young man. Just the way he carried himself and his manners you know? He just carried himself in such a correct way."
"We get in this business to try and help young people," said Godby High School head coach Andy Colville, who coached against Williams. "To lose one so young, it's just heartbreaking, and our thoughts and prayers are to the family, and it's the closest thing to losing your own child."
Others turned to social media including rising Florida State Sophomore Dwayne Bacon, writing "RIP Herman" on Twitter. Incoming Freshman Trent Forrest who grew up with Herman shared #FlyHighHerm upon hearing the news.
Herman signed with the Lousiana Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns, a Division I basketball program in November. The 6'2" guard chose Louisiana Lafayette over Florida International, South Florida and South Alabama. Herman averaged 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds a game this season for the Marianna Bulldogs.
The Ragin' Cajuns were set to host a press conference on Herman's passing this afternoon but did express condolences over social media last night, saying thoughts and prayers are with the Williams family.
Marianna High School is holding a vigil Tuesday night at 8:00/CT. A visitation for Williams' will be held Saturday from 12-2:00/CT at the Marianna High School gymnasium. A funeral will follow.
