Zach Brown, a junior offensive lineman at Lake Cormorant High School, is in critical condition after an accidental exposure to paraquat, a highly toxic herbicide, as first reported by Action News 5 in Memphis. Brown was recently transferred from Le Bonheur in Memphis to Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston for care.
Dr. Michael Marlin of the Mississippi Poison Control Center told WHSV that paraquat is “probably the most toxic herbicide by far.” The restricted-use agricultural herbicide can cause serious injury or death, even after a small exposure, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
A GoFundMe for Brown says he is “critically ill.” His parents, brother and two sisters have traveled to Houston to be with him.
“[Zach] is currently on ECMO and being evaluated for a possible lung transplant, while his family remains by his side hundreds of miles from home,” the GoFundMe reads.
Casey Nester, the fundraiser’s organizer and wife of Lake Cormorant’s head football coach, asked the community to pray for Brown and donate if possible. As of Sunday afternoon, the fundraiser had raised more than $12,100 for his care and the family’s expenses.
“Zach has also been part of our football community, and those who know him through the game want to come together and do something for him and his family during this difficult time,” the GoFundMe reads.