A small Texas community is mourning the sudden and tragic loss of a young high school student. On October 13, 16-year-old Angel Hernandez, a sophomore at Chisholm Trail High School in Fort Worth, collapsed and died after completing a five-kilometer run at a district track event in Haltom City.
According to witnesses, Hernandez had just beaten his personal record in the race and was celebrating with his friends when he suddenly collapsed. Despite their immediate efforts to help him, he fell again at a nearby water station. He was quickly rushed to Medical City Alliance but sadly passed away an hour later.
The cause of Hernandez’s death is currently under investigation by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner. Friends and family are at a loss as to what could have caused such a tragedy, especially in a young and seemingly healthy teenager.
Tributes and condolences have been pouring in for Hernandez since news of his death broke. His previous track coach, Brent Brevard, described him as a wonderful student-athlete with a great attitude and work ethic. “He was the kind of kid you wanted on your team,” Brevard said. “He cared about his teammates and always acted right in school. He will be greatly missed.”
A funeral was held for Hernandez on Friday, with many students and community members attending to pay their respects. His family was also presented with his varsity letter jacket in honor of his athletic achievements and legacy. Later that evening, a moment of silence was held for him at the Chisholm Trail High School homecoming game.
Hernandez was not only a track star, but also a student at the Texas School of Karate. In memory of their beloved classmate and friend, the school closed for the week following his death. Angela Wood, a coach at the karate school, described Hernandez as someone who lived up to his angelic name. “He had an infectious smile and an amazing personality. He made everyone love him. We will never forget him and he will be deeply missed,” she said.
Wood has been providing comfort and support to Hernandez’s fellow karate students who are struggling to come to terms with their loss. She shared that the teenager showed no signs of illness or distress during their training sessions prior to his collapse.
To help Hernandez’s family with funeral expenses, Wood set up a GoFundMe page which has already raised over $12,000. She said that this outpouring of support is a testament to Hernandez’s impact and the love he had for everyone he met.
Hernandez leaves behind his grief-stricken parents, Antonio and Elsie Hernandez, and younger brother Mark. His sudden and untimely death has deeply touched the entire community, and his absence has left a void that will never be filled. His memory will live on through the many lives he has touched and the hearts he has warmed.
