Remembering football player Mason Flores: Procession brings remains to Sweet Home

SWEET HOME Ore. (KPTV) - The remains of a Sweet Home High School football player who died after suffering a severe brain injury during a game last week returned to the community Tuesday.

Local authorities, including the Sweet Home Police Department, Lebanon Police Department and Lane County Sheriff’s Office, escorted 16-year-old Mason Flores’ remains to Sweet Home Funeral Chapel. Community members lined the small town’s streets as the procession passed through.

Flores, No. 8, suffered a severe head injury during a junior varsity home football game Sept. 28. Doctors said he experienced a seizure and a brain bleed.

He was airlifted to Portland for surgery, but his condition did not improve. Flores died Monday, Oct. 5 — his 16th birthday.

Friends say that although Flores’ life was short, he lived it fully.

On social media, his football team saluted him, saying in part, “His infectious smile and personality makes us all better people. We are proud to know him, and have him in our family.”

Sweet Home School District Superintendent Terry Martin also released a statement online, saying in part, “Mason brought immense light, warmth, and laughter to our school. He loved football, loved making people smile, and cared deeply about ensuring everyone around him felt loved and included.”

Flores’ loved ones said his organs will be donated, giving others a chance to live.

After the procession, one of Flores’ family members shared the following statement with FOX12:

“Sweet Home PD, Lebanon PD, LCSO, OSP and Portland Police Bureau all worked together in escorting Mason’s remains home, as well as the local fire departments that showed up to finish out the procession. This was something that mom told me she had no words for except that she feels truly blessed. Overall, I think they are just grateful for the overpouring of love they’re receiving right now. Mason’s mom has told me that her heart feels full because of all of the people who have shown up for her and her son.”