In a tragic turn of events, Shannon Thomas Tanner, who had graduated high school days ago, passed away on a senior trip to Florida. He was 19. 

The Bay County Sheriff's office is investigating his passing, and no cause of death has been officially revealed. 

“He was a light to everyone, never meeting a stranger and always willing to help others. Shannon loved chocolate milk, peanut butter waffles from Waffle House, and football,” his family shared in the fundraiser. 

According to the May 22 report, deputies were called to an address in Panama City Beach on May 17 at around 9:30 p.m. According to the BCSO incident report, EMTs were already working to help Tanner.

However, he was “largely unresponsive.”

Jacob Navarro, a BCSO spokesperson, reportedly said that Tanner “was taken to a local hospital and put on life support, which was removed on Wednesday, May 20.”

“At this time, this is an open death investigation,” Navarro said in an email. “If anyone has any information regarding the incident, please call the Bay County Sheriff's Office.”

According to a report by Clarion Ledger, Pamela Thomas, Tanner’s mother, who was widowed, set up a GoFundMe for funeral expenses and financial strain in this difficult time.

As of May 25, his family has raised $18,015 toward its $20,000 goal.

The Foxworth teen played for three schools. Baker High School in Mobile, Alabama; West Marion High School in Foxworth, Mississippi; and Columbia Academy in Columbia, Mississippi. 

Tanner, however, did not dream of going pro in football. The teen planned to become an Air Traffic Control Specialist in the U.S. Air Force. 

Shannon Thomas Tanner’s Time At Columbia

According to MaxPreps, Shannon Thomas Tanner, the 2026 senior was a part of the defensive line and the offensive line at the Columbia Academy.

In the 2025 season, he recorded 16 total tackles and one interception. 

He ranked 29th in Division MAIS 3A for interception and 84th for tackles. He played for two seasons at the school. His career stats at Columbia stand at four solo tackles from 30 total, one interception, and one pass defended. 

According to a Facebook post by HrtWarming, Tanner was involved in “track, FCA, DECA, and many other activities that kept him close to friends and teammates who loved him deeply.”

Our thoughts remain with Tanner’s family and community.

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar