The tragic news of 16-year-old Forrest County Agricultural High School sophomore Carter Bourque’s death from a sudden brain aneurysm earlier this week has deeply shaken the Forrest County, Mississippi, community.
Carter suffered an aneurysm on Tuesday morning and was placed on life support. Despite the efforts of medical teams and the outpouring of love from those around him, he passed away today, leaving behind a void that words can hardly capture.
He is survived by his loving parents, Kandise and Ryan Bourque, and his brother, Aiden.
A talented and passionate athlete, Carter was a standout on the varsity football team at FCAHS, proudly wearing jersey #54 as a defensive lineman and offensive lineman.
He was known for his smile, determination, and love of the game. He had been part of the school’s “Aggie Nation” family and had been involved in youth sports through the Forrest County Youth Sports (FCYS) program for years.
With graduation still ahead in 2028, his future had seemed bright, filled with promise on and off the field.
The community’s grief and support have been overwhelming
Jenn Gasmi, who organized a GoFundMe campaign, shared the heartbreaking update:
“Rest easy in Paradise, sweet boy. As many of you know, Carter Bourque passed today after suffering a brain aneurysm Tuesday. We ask that this please be shared and appreciate all prayers. We’re hoping this can ease any financial worries and allow Kandise Courtney and Ryan Bourque time to grieve the unexpected loss of their beautiful boy.”
Via Facebook
The fundraiser, aimed at an $18,000 goal, seeks to help cover medical expenses, travel costs, time off work, and funeral arrangements so the family can focus on grieving without added financial strain.
Gasmi noted the packed ICU waiting room as a testament to the support surrounding Carter and his loved ones.
Wayne Harper, posting on the Forrest County Youth Sports Facebook page, expressed the collective heartbreak:
“Aggie Nation it hurts my heart to let everyone know of the passing of Carter Bourque. Carter has been part of our FCYS family for years now, and has made a lasting impact on his coaches, teammates and especially me. I ask everyone to please pray to our good Lord for comfort during this time for his immediate family, his FCAHS family, his Little Aggies family, and our community as a whole. It’s going to be very hard to not see that smile every morning, but I know the Lord will lead us through.”
Via Facebook
Friends and teammates echoed these sentiments. Erica N Brandon Owens recalled Carter’s joyful presence:
“I’ll always remember the day he showed up at his first Little Aggies football practice, grinning from ear to ear. Gosh, he loved the game—and even more, the brothers he found through it. He brought joy, heart, and determination with him every time he stepped on the field, and his impact will never be forgotten.”
Via Facebook
Billy Whitney Nobles also shared a personal note:
“Please keep the family and friends of Carter Bourque in your prayers. Carter was a great friend and classmate to Ryliee. The amount of love and support our community has shown to one another during this difficult time, has been amazing. I pray for strength and guidance to his family, his friends, and the entire student body at FC in the days to come.”
Via Facebook
In the midst of unimaginable sorrow, the community has rallied around the Bourque family, offering prayers, memories, and practical help through the GoFundMe.
Carter’s sudden loss serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how fragile life can be, especially for someone so young and full of potential.
As tributes continue to pour in, those who knew him best remember a boy whose smile lit up the field and whose spirit touched countless lives.
May he rest in peace, and may comfort find his family and friends in the days ahead.
