A high school football player in western New York died this week from injuries suffered when he was hit in a helmet-to-helmet collision.

16-year-old Damon Jones lost consciousness on the field and was immediately sent to a local hospital. He was soon transported to the Women's and Children's Hospital in Buffalo, where he passed away.

New York's Westfield/Brocton High School released a statement after the school learned the news of Jones' death.

"Our school and community is devastated by the football tragedy that occurred at the game last Friday night and we are grieving his loss. Damon was a unique, artistic, smart, athletic and friendly young man. Currently we are reaching out to support his family and friends and ask for time to mourn Damon's passing. Our strength, love and faith will pull us together to get us through this difficult time."

According to a 2012 report on the University of North Carolina's website, 39 high school football players have died from injuries suffered while playing the sport.

The recent studies about the safety concerns surrounding football have sparked debates about whether it is too dangerous to play, especially at such a young age. Brain scans have shown brain damage in older players such as Junior Seau, who committed suicide and whose autopsy revealed that he was suffering from degenerative brain damage likely suffered during his NFL career.

Jones' death is at least the second in as many months. Another 16-year-old high school football player named De'Antre Turman died after suffering a spinal cord injury during a scrimmage.