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    Services for Virginia high school wrestler who died at practice

    Funeral services have been announced for Cullen Porter, Virginia high school wrestler who died during practice last week.

    Cullen Porter
    Visitation will take place Monday, Dec. 7 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Wright Funeral Home, 206 W 4th Ave, Franklin, VA 23851. The funeral will take place Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, with Pastor Danny Dillon officiating.

    The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made in Cullen's name to the Ruth Camp Campbell Memorial Branch of the Blackwater Regional Library, 280 N. College Drive, Franklin, VA 23851.

    Porter died Thursday, Dec. 3. There are conflicting reports as to the circumstances surrounding his death. WAVY-TV reported Friday that the 17-year-old senior died during team physicals. However, according to the Tidewater News, Porter hit his head during wrestling practice, was transported to Southampton Memorial Hospital where he was soon pronounced dead, according to Capt. Tim Whitt of the Franklin Police Department.

    Franklin City Public Schools issued this statement:

    "The Franklin High School Family learned Thursday evening that one of the 12th grade students died at the local hospital. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the student's family. The student leaves behind a host of friends and classmates who will miss him dearly. As the Franklin High School family mourns the loss, the campus and Franklin City Public Schools are doing everything we can to provide comfort and assistance to the family and to our students and staff in this time of grief. Franklin City Public Schools has counselors available on the campus to address concerns from students and will provide continuing support for students and staff needing additional assistance."

    Cullen Joseph Porter, 17, a senior at Franklin High School, had been active in many school activities, according to his obituary. In addition to being a member of the Franklin wrestling team, Porter also participated in tennis, boys' soccer, and cross country, as well as the robotics team and drama club.

    Porter was a part-time employee at The Village at Woods Edge, working with the facility's elderly residents. He had joined the Navy this past summer, with plans to report for active duty this coming July after graduation.

    Porter is survived by his mother and stepfather, his father and his wife, a sister, a brother, two stepsisters, a stepbrother, and numerous other relatives.

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