The father of a University of Alabama baseball player who passed away after getting the COVID-19 vaccine spoke to One America News Network's Ivory Hecker.
DJ Heller believes his son, Davis Heller, died after getting the shot despite trying to get a medical exemption.
"Davis transferred in from a junior college out in Arizona and, you know, loved every bit of it there," he told Hecker. "Obviously, during COVID, the team was coming out with, you know, their protocols coming from somebody."
Although the athletics department never mandated vaccines, Heller said his son was pressured into following along. However, he had a pre-existing heart condition, so the first year, he faked his vaccination card.
"He faked a card and felt horrible about it just because that's who he was," his father described. "His character made him very disappointed in himself in the second year when it came around."
Heller got the shot in January 2022 and died nine months later, on October 5.
DJ Heller spoke to 1819 News last week and said the loss is great, but he is using the information he has to spread awareness. He is not seeking monetary gain or filing a lawsuit.
Read the full story: Father of deceased UA baseball player says son died after being pressured by coaches to get COVID-19 vaccine
When 1819 News asked the university for a response, they sent the following statement:
"No student-athletes at The University of Alabama were ever required to be vaccinated against COVID. To state otherwise is false."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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