Rising boxing star Donovan Garcia dies aged 15

A promising teenage boxer has tragically passed away at the age of 15.

As reported by TMZ, Donovan Garcia was involved in a fatal car accident in Colorado on January 11 where he sustained serious head injuries.

According to the rising star's family's GoFundMe page for his memorial - which was set up before his death and raised more than $6,155 - doctors performed final tests on him recently, but he was unresponsive and pronounced legally dead last week.

"Being that Donovan’s entire body from the neck down was fully functional, his parents fought to keep him on life support," his cousin Rosmina wrote. "Despite their best efforts, Donovan’s health started to decline. Sadly, Donovan fought his biggest battle and went 7 rounds, but he was tired."

The rising star won an array of junior titles throughout his career before his tragic death, such as the Golden Gloves in 2019, Silver Gloves State Champion, and the Junior Olympics State Champion honors.

An obituary for the amateur boxing star was shared by the funeral home, with many mourners penning their memories of the teenager. One man identifying himself as 'Coach Mario' emotionally wrote: "I met Donovan at our Brawlers gym a couple years ago."

"Such a well-mannered disciplined young man I thought watching him train. I told my son X, 'that kid right there gets it! He is talented and he started training as a little one much like you son,'" he continued.

"We would later run into him and his Father/Coach Daniel at events and they were always class acts, we enjoyed watching Donovan-Garcia perform. Loved his cowboy gimmick!!! Kid was an entertainer/athlete. We lost him here on Earth and Heaven gained an Angel. RIP Champ," Mario added.

Credit: Garcia's GoFundMe was created by his family.

Another boxing coach called Manuel Alvarado lovingly shared that Donovan had a "heart of gold," adding: "I had the pleasure of training him when he was 7 yrs old and got him registered with USA BOXING to start his amateur career.

"He went on to be a great champion beating some of the best boxers. Boxing was his passion. He leaves a place in many hearts," Alvarado continued. "Now he is a champion in heaven looking down on all of us. I will miss him until we are all united in heaven the young man with a golden heart!"

Pat Butler, a member of the USA Boxing Offical, also posted a sweet tribute about the teen, which read: "My deepest sympathies to all of Donovan's family and friends. I had the privilege of officiating several of his boxing events. He always conducted himself with great charisma, class, and skills."

Our thoughts are with Donovan's family, friends, and fans at this time.

Featured image credit: EyeEm / Alamy