The injuries aside… Do you have any experience or idea how difficult it is (as a young adult) to cope with a loved one battling a life threatening disease? Now add the element of it being a kid, and the disease ultimately taking their life.
Call me crazy, but that may have had a huge impact on this kid’s ability to focus and “trend up”.
And to add to that, he fought through a severe kidney infection. Which saps your strength even after it's over. It leaves you in a weakened condition. I've had 3 of them over the years, I don't wish that on anyone.