Football Player Dies After Hit During Game

Tuesday, February 27th 2007, 3:59 pm

By: News On 6

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) _ A defensive back for Daytona Beach's minor league football team, who was knocked unconscious in a helmet-to-helmet block, died from a broken neck, according to a preliminary autopsy report.

Javan Camon, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound defender for the Daytona Beach Thunder of the World Indoor Football League, probably was killed instantly Monday, said Dave Byron, Volusia County spokesman, speaking on behalf of the Medical Examiner.

Based on the initial examination, Byron said the death is going to be ruled an accident.

Camon was injured when he tried to tackle the ball carrier in the fourth quarter of a game. A Columbus Lions receiver blocked Camon on the play, sending him to the turf.

He went into cardiac arrest, Daytona Beach police said. Paramedics and doctors at the arena tried to revive him on the field for 10 minutes before taking him to a hospital. He was pronounced dead on arrival Monday night, ambulance spokesman Mark O'Keefe said.

``There was no evidence that would suggest the pursuit of a criminal investigation,'' a police news release stated. ``This tragic event was an accident that occurred during the normal course of the game.''

More than 1,440 spectators watched Monday's game. After a delay of about 25 minutes, play resumed and the Lions defeated the Thunder 45-42 despite Camon's two interceptions that set up touchdowns.

``The focus now needs to be on Javan's family,'' team owner and chief executive officer Zack McDonald told reporters Tuesday. ``I ask each and every one of you to pray for Javan's family, the Thunder family, and the Columbus players and their staff.''

The 25-year-old Camon was four-year letterman at the University of South Florida. He signed with Daytona Beach before the 2006 season. He played five games last season and had 20 tackles and one interception.