UPDATED: Lee senior offensive lineman Dmitri McKee passes away; Saturday's game against Daphne cancelled

Lee senior Dmitri McKee (right) attended the Prep Media Day with teammate Vonte McKitchen in July. McKee tragically pased away on Friday at the age of 17. (Staff Photo)

By GRAHAM DUNN

Robert E. Lee senior Dmitri McKee passed away on Friday after complications arose after a practice earlier in the week.

A four-year starter on the Generals offensive line, McKee had taken part in last month’s River Region Prep Media Day and talked about the upcoming season with enthusiasm.

He stated he was looking forward to his last season at Lee with his teammates, particularly those on the offensive line, who have spent many hours together training and hanging out.

“He’s one of our leaders,” Lee coach Eric Hudson said of McKee during the event. “He’s meant a lot to the program.”

McKee was 17 years old.

The Alabama High School Athletic Association released a statement on Saturday honoring McKee.

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the McKee family and to Dimitri’s coaches and teammates at Lee High School, its faculty and student body for their tragic loss,” said AHSAA Executive Director Alvin Briggs. “We offer our deepest sympathies and pray God will sustain each of them in this time of such great sadness.”

Funeral arrangements have not been finalized at this time.

Coach Hudson also confirmed on Sunday that due to the tragedy, Saturday afternoon’s game against Daphne has been cancelled. The game had a scheduled 2 p.m. kickoff at Cramton Bowl. There will be no make up date.