McGill-Toolen Catholic High School Mourns the Loss of Student-Athlete Will Glass

The McGill-Toolen Catholic High School community is reeling from the heartbreaking loss of one of its own. Will Glass, a 17-year-old student who was set to begin his senior year this August, died tragically on Sunday, July 27, following a drowning accident at Smith Lake near Birmingham, Alabama.

According to the Winston County coroner, Will’s body was recovered from the lake on Sunday evening after an extensive search involving local divers. He had been with his family near a dock when the accident occurred. Details remain under investigation, and an autopsy has been scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.

Will was more than just a student—he was a beloved member of the McGill-Toolen Catholic High School family, known for his warmth, character, and passion for life. In a message sent to students and parents, school administrators described him as “a bright, kind-hearted young man who brought joy, laughter, and a deep sense of friendship to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”

At McGill-Toolen, Will had earned a respected place on the school’s baseball team as a pitcher for the Yellow Jackets. Principal Blake Stein recalled his dedication to the sport, saying, “He was a hard worker, a wonderful teammate, wonderful classmate, wonderful friend. Just somebody that you really know that he was the kind of person that we want and epitomized everything that a McGill-Toolen student is.”

As the community grapples with the sudden loss, Principal Stein said the baseball team is finding strength in their shared bond and their faith. “They’re a very resilient group of young men, and I know that they’re going to keep Will in their prayers and in their thoughts every day they go out there to work,” he said. “They’ll ask themselves, ‘Am I working as hard as Will would want me to work right now?’”

In honor of Will’s memory, a prayer service and rosary are scheduled for Wednesday, July 30, at 6:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. The school and parish community are coming together to remember the life of a young man who made a lasting impact on everyone he met.

The Glass family, devastated by the loss of their son, has received an outpouring of support from classmates, teachers, coaches, and local residents. Principal Stein, reflecting on the depth of the tragedy, shared a heartfelt request: “I just want people to continue to pray for the Glass family. As a father of five, you know, it’s tough. So just pray for them. That’s all we ask.”

Will Glass’s presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy of kindness, determination, and camaraderie will remain in the hearts of the McGill-Toolen Catholic High School community. His memory will live on through the lives he touched and the example he set, both on and off the field.