BAKER - A local high school student-athlete sick with the coronavirus died Wednesday.

Multiple sources in Baker tell WBRZ that Patrick Sanders, 14, passed away Wednesday morning. Sanders was a 9th grade student at Baker High School and played on the football team.

Mayor Darnell Waites told WBRZ on Wednesday the teen's death highlighted the importance of vaccinations.

"If we want to save lives, we have to make the choice to save lives," Waites said. "This wasn't his fault."

Sources also said the Baker High football team is currently in quarantine for potential exposure. 

Baker Schools Superintendent Dr. De'Ette Perry said classes at Baker High would be going virtual Aug. 26 through Sep. 7, citing that three students had tested positive so far. 

The news comes the same day the state reported an infant died from COVID-19. 

Mayor Waites released the following statement Wednesday afternoon.

"The loss of such a young life is always a tragedy and the preventable loss of that young life is heartbreaking. Young Mr. Sanders had his entire life ahead of him; one full of ambition and promise. The sorrow I feel for his family and loved ones is immense.

To his family, please accept my deepest sympathies and know that my prayers are with you now and always. May God heal you in His infinite graces, and bless you with His love."

East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome also shared her condolences, and issued the following statement Wednesday:

"Today, our parish learned of the heartbreaking loss of a young Baker resident due to COVID-19. 

Every death from this virus is one met with immense sorrow, especially the passing of a ninth grader from our community.

At this point, every resident of our community has been impacted by COVID-19.

This goes to show that even our youngest and most resilient loved ones are at risk. 

It is my hope that we can come together to prevent further loss.

My prayers are with the family, friends and community of Patrick Sanders."