James Doby, the 2020 Duluth graduate and former football player who died Wednesday, did not have COVID-19 symptoms as reported by some news outlets and social media this week, according to his aunt, Tamika Doby.
“We still don’t know what happened,” Tamika Doby said. “He didn’t have COVID-19. He tested negative. We just know that he wasn’t feeling good. His stomach was bothering him. He went to the doctor, and they gave him some medication to take, and that was it.”
James Doby also was a thrower on the track and field teams last spring.
“He had just graduated ... and was getting ready to go to mechanic school,” Duluth defensive line coach Chris Fowler told the AJC. “Such a great kid. Character was impeccable, personality friendly and humble, laughter was infectious. Sad for his family and teammates.”
Tamika Doby said that James would want everyone to know that he loved them.
‘‘He loved making people happy,‘’ Tamika Doby said. “He loved life. He knew what he wanted to do when he grew up. He loved being on that football field. That was the highlight of his life. He enjoyed with his grandfather and uncles and his mom would see him play.‘'
Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
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