A star football player at Mervo High School died Monday after he was injured during a game against Dunbar High School in September. Elijah Gorham, 17, is being remembered and mourned by the Mervo community.WBAL-TV 11 News spoke with Gorham's mother, Shantres Shaw, who said he played football since he was 3 years old. It was his passion -- he dreamed of playing at college next year. But sadly, he won't get the chance."Elijah is amazing and I love my son. I miss him," Shaw said.He was a son, brother, high school senior and star football player."Football was his life. He was loyal to it. He loved the game, everything about football -- the loyalty, the brotherhood, the teamwork," Shaw said.Gorham was a wide receiver on the Mervo High School football team, and it was during their game against Dunbar on Sept. 18 that he was injured and taken to a hospital. The State Medical Examiner's Office said Wednesday the cause of death was cardiac arrest, multi-system organ failure, a traumatic brain injury and accidental trauma. His mom was by his side every day until the end."I can't put into words not being able to hug him, kiss him, text him, see his eyes anymore and not be with my son anymore," Shaw said.The Mervo community is devastated. His coach canceled practice Monday and said the team is mourning a well-respected leader on the team and an all-around great guy."A lot of people were touched by Elijah, so he was an amazing young man," Shaw said. "He's wonderful. Inspiring, happy, loving young man."Gorham's family and friends are trying to pick up the pieces. The youngest of four kids -- they can't imagine life without him but said they are inspired by his strength."He's here within us so that's what we're going to go on," Shaw said. A GoFundMe account has been created for the family.The school district sent a statement to 11 News, saying: "Elijah Gorham, a senior at Mervo High School, passed away after suffering injuries during a football game last month. Our collective heart is broken, and our thoughts go out to Elijah's family and loved ones. That same care extends to our school, especially those who knew and grew up with him directly. "Starting Tuesday, grief counselors from City Schools will be on-site and otherwise available for anybody -- students and staff -- that need support."Mayor Brandon Scott also offered his condolences to Gorham's family and the Mervo community writing, "Elijah Gorham was more than a student-athlete. He was a young man full of promise with an infectious spirit. Elijah's passing is an unspeakable tragedy."