A Texas community has been left reeling following the death of a teenage soccer player earlier this month.
Christine Fontana, 14, was at soccer practice for Robert Vela High School on January 15th when she suffered an aneurysm and collapsed, before being taken to hospital.
Sadly, on January 22nd, the teenager died as a result of the medical emergency.
Her father, Izaq Fontana, has since announced plans to donate her organs following her tragic death, in a lengthy and emotional post on Facebook.
He wrote: ‘As you all have seen, I have lost the love of my life my daughter Christine Fontana. This has been the hardest thing my family and i are going through.
‘Christine was loved and impacted so many people. She has had so many family, friends, coach, teachers and many more people show up to support and show their love for her.
Texas soccer player Christine Fontana, 14, died after suffering an aneurysm at practice
The teenager died in hospital, one week on from the devastating medical emergency
‘We decided to have her become an organ donor, so that she will continue to help people which is what she loved to do,’ his post added.
A GoFundMe has since been launched to help cover the funeral expenses for the soccer player.
The fundraiser’s description notes that Fontana was ‘full of kindness and laughter’ and ‘left us far too soon’.
It also read: ‘With a soccer cleat in one hand and a mic in the other, she lived life to the fullest. On the soccer field, she was unstoppable-a force of nature with a heart of gold. In choir, her voice soared, filling hearts with joy.
‘Off the field and offstage, she was definitely a character; full of kindness & laughter, lighting up every room she entered.’
‘Her spirit was contagious, her love was pure, and her memory will forever inspire and live in every one of us!’
Meanwhile, the Edinburg School District said: ‘Our prayers are with [Christine’s] family. Support will continue to be offered in the coming days.
‘Grief counselors are available for teammates and any students who wish to speak with someone’.
