Colorado high school freshman football player Noah Vesich died earlier this week at the age of 16, according to News9.
The Columbine High School football program wrote on X that Vesich died “unexpectedly.”
“We are absolutely devastated to learn about the passing of one of our bright student athletes, Noah Vesich,” the team posted to Facebook on Wednesday night. “He was a shining light to all who knew him. We are praying for his family and friends during this difficult time. #21 #Rebelball26.”
Vesich hailed from Littleton, Col., and served as a running back, according to a Hudl profile.
His family told News9 he “loved family, fishing and football, along with camping and exploring Colorado.”
A GoFundMe page has been created to help Vesich’s family and has raised more than $32,000 as of early Saturday morning.
“Noah’s family is going through an incredibly painful time and is now facing the cost of having to pay for the autopsy and funeral,” the GoFundMe page states. “In the middle of grieving this loss, these expenses have become an added burden on the family. What should be a time to focus on mourning and remembering Ariana’s brother and so many people’s friend, Noah Vesich, has also become a time filled with difficult decisions and unexpected financial pressure.
“This fundraiser was created to help cover the immediate autopsy and funeral expenses for Noah Vesich and to ease some of the stress Noah’s family is carrying right now. Every donation will go toward those urgent costs and help Noah’s family as they try to honor Noah and lay him to rest. Any support would mean so much during this difficult time. If you are able to help, the family would be deeply grateful for your support, prayers, and kindness as they mourn this loss and come together to get through the days ahead.”
Students wore white to honor Vesich during Colombine’s 7-3 road loss to Chatfield that snapped a three-game winning streak, staffers told News9.
The football team’s Facebook page promoted the clash alongside a 21 decal for Vesich.
Vesich had been slated to be honored before Saturday’s freshman game against Chatfield, per News9.
