A 17‑year‑old student‑athlete from Alma Center, Wisconsin, died on Tuesday after sustaining a severe injury during a high school football game. The news spread quickly through the town, prompting an outpouring of grief from classmates, neighbors, and local officials.
Adam Massman, who played quarterback and defensive back for Alma Center Lincoln High School during the 2025 season, threw for 858 yards and 10 touchdowns in six games and added 280 rushing yards and three scores, totaling 1,138 yards of offense. He was also named to the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association’s 2025 Boys Basketball Academic All‑State list, highlighting his dual commitment to sports and scholarship.
Beyond the field, Massman’s family has deep ties to Jackson County; his mother works as an elementary school counselor, a sibling attends junior high, and several relatives serve on the school board. A spontaneous tribute appeared in the school parking lot, where students painted the space with the initials “LLA” and images representing his family’s cattle operation, while friend Megan Steussel recalled him as “a friend, fierce competitor, and someone who followed his passions.”
A community mourns
The loss resonates throughout the community, given Massman’s extensive involvement in school activities and the many family members who work within the district or serve on the school board. Friends and teammates gathered to share memories, and local leaders have called for increased awareness of safety in youth sports.
Steussel’s message to families — ‘tell your kids you love them’ — underscores a broader call to cherish friendships and recognize the fragility of youthful pursuits. As the community grieves, many hope the tragedy will inspire conversations about injury prevention and the importance of mental health support for young athletes.