Williams, an All-American athlete at Lane Tech High School, was injured during a football game last Friday. He is in intensive care at Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. While doctors are not saying anything about the exact nature of Williams's injuries, relatives said part of his skull was removed to relieve pressure on his brain.
"He's a great kid, always supportive. It's just too bad what happened. We're all praying for him," Joe Arena, Lane Tech High School student, said.
Williams, a senior, was playing a game against Dunbar when he was injured. Chicago Public Schools officials confirm Williams received at least one hard hit during the game. During the fourth quarter, he came to the sidelines and said he didn't feel right.
Neil Hernandez, a Lane Tech alum, was at the game.
"Between the time they scored, and when they scored an extra point, that's when we noticed something was happening at the Lane Tech sidelines," Hernandez said. "Based on the body languages of the coaches and how everyone was acting, I knew this was going to be a little bit different."
Friends are using websites and social media to keep updated on Williams' condition. Relative said doctors attempted to relieve the pressure from Williams' brain swelling by removing part of his skull.
Doctor Richard Temes, a neurologist at Rush University Medical Center, said that and medicine a common treatment after a brain injury.
"The surgery is a very, very early consideration to do in order to prevent secondary brain injury," Dr. Temes said.
