A sophomore student from Texas tragically lost his life shortly after achieving his personal best in a cross country meet.
Angel Hernandez, a promising young athlete and sophomore from Chisholm Trail High School, had just completed a five-kilometer run during a district track event in Haltom City, Tarrant County on October 13, per the New York Post.
However, the joy of his accomplishment was short-lived as he collapsed soon after crossing the finish line. Friends on the scene immediately assisted him to a water station, but Hernandez fell once again.
Despite being rushed to Medical City Alliance, Hernandez was pronounced dead an hour later.
The teen's family and friends still do not know the cause of Hernandez's death. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner is currently investigating the cause, per the Daily Mail.
The local community has came together to honor Angel's legacy. His family was presented with his varsity letter jacket at a touching funeral service attended by many. Brevard noted the significant attendance at the funeral, saying, "A lot of people attended, a lot of his teammates made it, and they encouraged everyone to wear [the school color] purple." The memory of Hernandez was further commemorated with a moment of silence at the Chisholm Trail High School homecoming game that same night.
Angel's impact extended beyond the track. He was a dedicated student at the Texas School of Karate, which, in a poignant gesture, closed for the week in honor of the young athlete. Karate coach Ashley Wood, deeply moved by the loss, said: "It’s really hard. We'll never get over it. We’ll never forget him. He’s going to be missed here, but he’s going to be loved always."
To assist the Hernandez family during this challenging time, Wood initiated a GoFundMe campaign for funeral expenses. The fundraiser has garnered over $12,000, a testament to Angel's far-reaching influence.
Wood wrote on the page: "We are all completely devastated by the loss of Angel too early in life. With the devastation also comes the high cost of arrangements that no one was prepared for. We want to make sure the Hernandez family can give Angel the celebration he deserves, to honor his memory, and pay all our respects to an amazing young man. We are asking for donations on behalf of the family in honor of Angel and the legacy he leaves behind."
Angel Hernandez is survived by his parents, Antonio and Elsie Hernandez, and a younger brother, Mark. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time.