Jadon Robinson is being remembered by friends and family as a big teddy bear with a kind soul.
The 17-year-old son of Acadia First Nation Chief Deborah Robinson, died Saturday after his 2008 Audi missed a sharp turn and wound up submerged in a pond in Overton, N.S.
Robinson played football for Sir John A. MacDonald High School in Upper Tantallon, N.S. At more than 300 pounds, he could have been a pretty imposing figure, but friends say that wasn't the case.
“He's in one of my classes and he's a pretty funny dude,” said student Dylan Creaser.
Despite a somewhat late start, Robinson excelled on the football field. He only played for a year and a half, but his coaches say scouts were taking notice, and a professional career was within Robinson’s reach.
“He did have that much talent,” said football team co-manager Brian Mason.“Just his presence on the field - he could play both sides of the ball.”
The two passengers in the vehicle with Jadon survived the crash.
“Witnesses will be interviewed. Certainly, we'll have a look at the car, do mechanical inspections of that nature,” said Const. Mark Skinnner of Nova Scotia RCMP.
Teammates gathered Sunday for a private get together to share memories and stories.
As they prepare for Jadon's funeral on Thursday, they left a special gift in his locker: a signed football.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Bruce Frisko.
