Wisconsin High School Football Player Dies After Game Injury
A Wisconsin high school football player has died after being injured during a game this week, according to the Alma Center-Humbird-Merrillan School District.
Adam Massman, a senior at Lincoln High School in Alma Center, was injured during Thursday night’s game against Turtle Lake, the district said. He received medical care from emergency medical personnel who were at the game before being transported to a hospital, according to Superintendent Drew Semingson.
The district announced Massman’s death Saturday, Aug. 22, in a message to families. Semingson said the district learned Saturday afternoon that Massman had died from his injuries.
Massman’s mother, Brianne Massman, also shared the news on Facebook, writing, “Our dear Adam is with Jesus in heaven now,” as reported by WEAU.
School and Community Response
Lincoln /Sr. High School opened its doors Saturday for students, parents, and friends following the announcement, with counselors available on site. The district also planned additional counseling support beginning at noon Monday, Aug. 24, and continuing throughout Tuesday as students return to school.
“This loss touches our Lincoln family in many ways,” Semingson wrote in a message to families, as reported by FOX 9 and WEAU.
Semingson noted that Massman was active in the Lincoln community, participating in multiple sports, clubs, and activities. His family has deep ties to the school district: his mother is an elementary school counselor, a sibling attends the junior high school, and several relatives work for the district or serve on the school board.
“We ask that you keep Adam’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers,” Semingson said.
Remembering Adam Massman
Massman was a multi-sport athlete, playing quarterback and defensive back for Alma Center Lincoln. He also competed in basketball and baseball, according to WEAU. MaxPreps lists Massman at 5 feet, 10 inches and identifies him as a quarterback and cornerback for the Hornets. During the 2025 football season, he threw for 858 yards and 10 touchdowns in six games, while rushing for 280 yards and three touchdowns, according to statistics entered by the team’s coach on MaxPreps. He accumulated 1,138 total yards during the season.
Massman was also named to the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association’s 2025 Boys Basketball Academic All-State list.
Megan Steussel, a family friend, spoke with WEAU about Massman, describing him as “a fierce competitor” who “lived according to his convictions and passions.” She encouraged others to “Tell your kids you love them. Tell your kids’ friends you love them.”
His teammates created a tribute at Lincoln High School, painting his parking spot with the letters “LLA” for “Long Live Adam,” along with images representing the family’s cattle business and tire tracks made with his truck.
The district has not released additional details about how the injury occurred. Semingson said in an email to USA TODAY Sports, “At this time we are not anticipating commenting further on Adam's injury as we do not have permission to release any such information.”