Twelve-year-old Melquan Kwame Robinson died Monday after he was electrocuted while climbing a chain-link fence to retrieve a football at Fleming Athletic Complex in Augusta, Georgia. A live wire had energized the fence. Two boys who tried to pull him free were also shocked and hospitalized; an adult was injured as well.

Deputies performed chest compressions at the scene, and Melquan was taken to Children’s Hospital of Georgia, where he was pronounced dead at 9:56 p.m. One of the injured boys, David Sette, was later moved from intensive care to a regular hospital room. His mother said he was improving, although doctors remained concerned about his blood levels and muscle breakdown. The condition of the other boy was not available.

Melquan was a seventh-grader at Morgan Road Middle School and a member of the Trinity Elite Titans football team. Don Clark, a family friend and former coach speaking on the family’s behalf, remembered him as energetic, athletic and devoted to his family. Melquan, the eldest of three children, loved football and hoped to become a professional athlete. Clark also praised the courage of the boys who tried to save their friend.

The death affected Melquan’s family, teammates, coaches and the wider community. Augusta Mayor Hardie Davis offered condolences and urged residents to support the family. The school system provided additional support for students and staff at Morgan Road Middle School, and football activities at Fleming Park were canceled for the week. A community vigil was planned for 6 p.m. Thursday at the Bernie Ward Community Center.

The coroner’s office, sheriff’s office and city began investigations into the death and the electrified fence. Georgia Power said it was cooperating with local officials and that its preliminary investigation indicated the company did not control or maintain the voltage that energized the fences.