A 15-year-old Yellville-Summit freshman football player is recovering after suffering a life-threatening kidney injury during a game in Melbourne on Oct. 23, his family said.
Kolton Layton, a versatile player who lined up as a receiver, running back, and safety on defense, was making a tackle when he landed on another player’s outstretched foot. He initially stood and finished the play, but collapsed moments later on the sideline with severe pain and vomiting. His father, aunt, and the on-scene paramedic recognized the severity of the injury and called for emergency assistance.
Layton was transported to White River Medical Center in Batesville, where a CT scan revealed a stage 5 kidney laceration, the most severe level of renal trauma. He required embolization of his renal arteries and two units of blood before being airlifted to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, receiving another unit of blood en route.
At Arkansas Children’s, trauma and surgical teams performed multiple procedures to save the kidney. Layton developed fluid buildup in both lungs, requiring bilateral chest tubes, and remained hospitalized for ten days before being discharged home.
Three days later, complications including a high fever, fluid in his lung, and urine leaking into his abdomen required Layton to return to the hospital. Surgeons placed a larger ureteral stent, a chest tube, and a uroma drain. A nephrostomy tube could not be safely positioned due to inflammation and kidney displacement.
After 11 days of monitoring at home, it became clear the kidney was not healing. Layton underwent a laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, but after six hours in surgery, the team determined the kidney was too damaged to salvage and performed a total nephrectomy.
Layton, who missed the last game of the season, had been on pace for a breakout year. His family said he likely would have gained more than 1,000 total offensive yards if he had been able to finish the season. The family also hopes Kolton’s injury raises awareness about added protection for young athletes, especially skill-position players who take frequent hits. They encouraged parents and coaches to consider kidney protection gear when available.
Layton returned to school on Wednesday and his family said he has maintained a positive outlook through weeks of medical challenges. They said he is determined to play football again once he is cleared by doctors.
He is now recovering with one functioning kidney, which doctors say will allow him to lead a healthy and full life.
His family expressed gratitude for the care provided by White River Medical Center and Arkansas Children’s Hospital. “Their dedication saved our son’s life, and we will forever be thankful,” they said.
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