Grapevine High School varsity baseball player Chris Gavora passed away Saturday afternoon at Parkland Hospital. The junior athlete was severely injured Thursday after being struck by a baseball in the back of the head during a pre-game warm up. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time, and District officials are respecting those wishes. Support is being rendered to the family by staff, friends and teammates of the athlete.

“This is a tremendous loss for our entire school. We grieve and hurt with the Gavora family,” said Grapevine High School Principal Jerry Hollingsworth. “I’m so proud of our Mustang baseball team and the way they have rallied together and behind Chris, and we want to continue to surround this family with support and love.”

Crisis counselors were at the school Friday and will continue to be on site for students and staff who need assistance in coping with Chris’ passing. The crisis team will remain at Grapevine High School for as long as needed.

District officials continue investigating the cause of the accident. As a safety precaution, all batting cages at the baseball fields at Grapevine High School and Colleyville Heritage High School, as well as the softball fields at Cross Timbers Middle School, were inspected Friday before being used by athletes. The batting cages at Colleyville Heritage High School were reopened while those at Grapevine High School and Cross Timbers Middle School will remain closed until early next week.

Plans for a memorial to Chris at Grapevine High School are in the very preliminary stages. Funeral arrangements are pending at this time.

“This is an incredibly difficult time for all involved, and I want to extend our deepest sympathies on behalf of the GCISD family,” said Superintendent Kay Waggoner. “Our hearts and support remain with the student’s family, his teammates, coaches, teachers and friends.”