Reports: Irish recruit, 17, dies after fall

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Notre Dame recruit Matt James died Friday in Panama City, Fla., after falling from a hotel balcony, several media outlets reported.


James, 17, was vacationing in Florida for spring break.

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Matt James, an offensive tackle from Cincinnati St. Xavier, was named a first-team All-American by USA Today as a senior.

A 6-foot-6, 291-pound offensive tackle, James was named USA Today first-team All-American after leading Cincinnati's St. Xavier to a No. 4 ranking in the final state poll.


The father of fellow Notre Dame recruit and St. Xavier quarterback Luke Massa told the Cincinnati Enquirer that the teammates were on vacation together.


"Luke is devastated," Gary Massa told the newspaper. "He lost one of his best friends."


James chose Notre Dame over Ohio State, committing on Feb. 3 during national signing day.

"It was a really tough decision," James said then, according to the Enquirer report. "... I like the situation of being in the first class with Coach [Brian] Kelly there."


A Notre Dame spokesman said the school would have no comment until Saturday.


James' family learned of their son's death during a family gathering for the 50th birthday party for one of James' uncles, according to the Chicago Tribune.

"His mom and dad were here when they got the call," said the father of Irish tight end Kyle Rudolph, Dan Rudolph, who was at the party, according to the Tribune. "The whole James family was here. I can't believe that happened."