Notre Dame star recruit dies after fall from hotel balcony

CINCINNATI — A top Notre Dame football recruit from Ohio died after falling from a hotel balcony while on spring break in Florida, a high school spokesman said Saturday.

Students at St. Xavier High School gathered on the football field Friday night to remember senior Matt James following reports of his death in Panama City Beach, Fla., spokesman Mark Motz said.

The 17-year-old James apparently died instantly after he fell from the third-floor balcony of the Days Inn Motel at around 6:30 p.m. Friday, police told WJHG-TV in Panama City.

Police had not confirmed James’ identity as of Saturday morning, but Motz said the school was “devastated” by the news. Motz said the impromptu vigil was organized as word of James’ death spread through social-networking sites such as Facebook. (more…)