CLEVELAND, Tennessee — A quiet corner of this East Tennessee town has been plunged into grief after the sudden loss of Andrew Carroll, a 17-year-old junior at Bradley Central High School. Carroll died Friday night, January 30, 2026, in a car crash that shocked classmates, teachers and neighbors alike.
Friends remember Andrew as more than just a student-athlete. He was a spirited member of the Bradley Central Bears football team and a familiar face in classrooms and hallways. Coaches described him as competitive and loyal — the kind of teammate who lifted others up just by being himself.
The accident happened near a well-travelled intersection in Cleveland. Early reports say Carroll was driving when his vehicle struck an unknown object or lost control. First responders arrived on the scene, but Andrew succumbed to his injuries. The exact cause and details are still under review by local authorities.
At school, the shock was immediate. Students returned to campus on Monday greeted by counselors in the library offering support to anyone struggling with the loss. Staff, teammates and classmates gathered quietly to share memories of Andrew’s kindness and the steady, uplifting presence he carried every day.
Family and friends shared heartfelt tributes. His grandfather called Andrew his “sidekick” since birth, a simple phrase that captured the depth of their bond. Others talked about how he went out of his way to help people, held doors open, made students laugh, and supported teammates both on and off the field.
Bradley Central’s football program released a brief but meaningful statement: “Once a Bear, Always a Bear,” honoring Andrew’s spirit and the pride he took in representing his school. The team plans to retire his jersey number as a tribute.
As the Carroll family and wider community navigate this painful moment, plans for funeral services have yet to be announced. Yet already, stories of Andrew’s compassion and strength are being passed around — quiet reminders that a life, even one cut tragically short, can leave an impression that won’t soon fade.
