J.T. Townsend has passed away.  The local high school football star was paralyzed by a spinal cord injury in 2004.

According to a representative from his foundation, Townsend died around 1 a.m. Wednesday.  While not completely clear, it appears Townsend's death was heart related.

Townsend was a rising star at Episcopal High School when he was injured in October 2004.

He created the non-profit J.T. Townsend Foundation to help serve community members in need right here in Jacksonville.

J.T. Townsend had just graduated from University of North Florida in April with a degree in Sports Management.

“He was very involved in the disability resource center, really as an inspiration to so many other students who were struggling. And he was just really a great person to be around and he touched so many lives on our campus,” UNF Vice President of Public Relations, Sharon Ashton, tells WOKV about Townsend’s time as a student at UNF.

“Here’s someone who couldn’t take notes and he managed to make friends in every single class, the professors just loved him, and he’s gonna be missed.”

Episcopal even threw him a graduation party on their campus to celebrate their alum’s graduation from UNF.

“The work that J.T. did for others with similar challenges was incredible,” says the Head of Episcopal School of Jacksonville, Charley Zimmer, “and he never lost the optimism and faith that was evident throughout his life. He was truly a remarkable young man and a gift to all of us.”

Judi Zitiello, Board Chair of the J.T. Townsend Foundation told Jacksonville's Morning News that J.T. had been hoping to obtain a job with the Jaguars.

“If I have anything to say about it, or do, it certainly will continue on. Doing this work is even more important now,” says Zitiello in regards to the foundation’s future.

On the foundation website, J.T. Townsend wrote about why it is important to give back:

“My family and I were very blessed to have the support of our extended family, friends, and the Jacksonville community. For me and my family, giving back is a heartfelt and passionate endeavor. It is our hope that we can help others in their various circumstances and with varying disabilities, the way that we have been helped, and continue to be, by others. In addition, the joy of seeing someone receive is priceless.” says J.T. Townsend.

Will Rackley with the Jaguars tweeted:  "Aw man so sorry to hear the news about my man JTTownsend, I know he's in a better place now. Please keep his family in your prayers".

Tony Boselli's foundation, @Boselli4Kids tweeted:  "Our hearts and prayers go to our friends at @jtgivesback. #JTTownsend meant so much to so many. He will never be forgotten."

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