ROSWELL, Ga. — The father of an 18-year-old star quarterback has revealed that he suffered from a rare, undetected condition before his death four months ago.
Robbie Roper, Roswell High School’s quarterback, died on Dec. 22 just over a week after he had shoulder surgery.
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The disorder can disrupt the urea cycle and lead to the accumulation of ammonia and a toxic response by the immune system.
His father, James Roper, told USA Today that his son suffered from a genetic condition called urea cycle disorders (UCD), which causes elevated blood ammonia levels. Roper said his son was not diagnosed with UCD until after he got sick.
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The Roper family’s attorney, Patrick Moore, told USA Today that UCD can be set off by medications or situations related to a surgical procedure, including the use of anesthesia.
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James Roper told the newspaper that he didn’t reveal his son’s cause of death sooner because he “wanted him remembered as a perfect kid.”
Coaches said Roper. who wore a #5 jersey, was an “A” student while leading his team to the playoffs and winning Region 5 7A offensive player of the year.
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