Gulf County School Superintendent Jim Norton shared that Gainer had no pulse when emergency responders first arrived but regained it before being rushed in an ambulance to get medical attention. Sadly, he passed after reaching the clinic.

Liberty County Athletic Director Tim Davis, present at the time, explained more of what happened after Gainer was taken away. “We got the news about an hour later that he had died. The game had about four minutes left in the fourth quarter and the decision was made to go ahead and finish it so the Port St. Joe coaches could inform the players together,” he said. As expected, Gainer’s passing has devastated the Port St. Joe community, where he was not only known for his athletic talent but also for his kind and quiet demeanor. Norton described Gainer as an exceptional athlete and person, noting his “world-class speed” and even more remarkable personality.