Former Lane Tech football player who suffered brain injury dies at 30, remembered as natural leader

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Family, friends and former coaches gathered to honor Drew Williams, a former Lane Tech College Prep football player whose fight to recover from a traumatic brain injury inspired those around him for more than a decade.

Drew, who was injured during a football game in 2013, required 24-hour care in the years that followed. He died July 22 at age 30. A celebration of life was held at Biagio Event Hall, in the same room where Lane Tech football banquets were held.

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Those who knew Drew recall his determination after the injury.

"Watching him fight over the past 13 years has also impacted me profoundly. In words hard to describe but should still be acknowledged. I love you, brother. I'm glad you are at peace and in a better place," said his best friend, Joe Loch.

His sister, Andrea Williams, said, "He will forever be remembered not for the obstacles he faced, but for the incredible person he was and the joy he brought to so many lives."

In 2013, Drew was a popular senior athlete at Lane Tech when he collapsed with a traumatic brain injury during a game. Scrutiny of the game and his injury prompted broader questions about safety for young athletes in sports.

Former Lane Tech Coach Ethan Karolczak said sports safety has evolved significantly in the years since Drew's injury.

"The entire field of interscholastic athletics has come so far in the last decade, in terms of education and prevention, advances in technology and safety and, and training practices," Karolczak said.

Former coach Tim Otto echoed that sentiment.

"I know they've gotten stricter, and the protocols are much tighter, and they need to be. They need to continually evolve because it can be a dangerous sport, and that goes for all sports, not just football," Otto said.

Drew's mother, Jodi Williams, said increased awareness about athlete safety has provided some comfort to the family.

"That's one good thing that, you know, became of this was, was the awareness so more athletes aren't hurt. There's more safety precautions being taken, so that's, um, a little solace for us - that there is some good out of all of this," she said.

After the injury, Drew's parents cared for him at home. During the celebration of life, they said they continued to learn more about their son through stories shared by his friends.

"I'm glad he had so many friends. He was a unique personality that he drew so many people in. That's why the place is full," said his father, Chris Williams.

Jodi Williams said hearing those stories brought comfort to the family.

"Just so many stories that it comforts us to know about him because we only knew him as a parent. And that's a different kind of love, you know?" she said.

Former Lane Tech Head Football Coach Fred Proesel remembered Drew as a leader whose personality naturally drew people to him.

"He was a natural leader without trying to be a leader. It was just his personality, the way he acted. Everybody, he could lift up anybody, and everyone followed him," Proesel said.

For Drew's family, his legacy extends beyond football. They remembered him as the player who wore No. 3 on the field and remained No. 1 in their hearts.

The celebration of life carried special meaning because it was held at a venue closely associated with Lane Tech football. His parents said Drew loved the location, though returning there was bittersweet for their family.