New York varsity player and “soccer fanatic” dies from freak collision

A freak accident has ended the life of a high school soccer player in New York.

Thomas Jakelich, 16, was playing for the varsity team at Loyola High School when he collided with an opposing player.

The collision seemed innocuous, but he later needed to be helped off the field and rushed into an ambulance. It caused internal bleeding, which led to his death.

Jakelich’s stepfather remembered him as a “soccer fanatic” who was “pretty darn good” and lost his life doing what he loved more than anything.

From the New York Daily News:

“He was quiet and cautious as a child. As a soccer player he was aggressive, and as a person he was remarkably charismatic,” the grieving step-dad said.”

The photo above is the final one he chose for his Facebook page, now a memorial and littered with love for Cristiano Ronaldo, Robert Lewandowski and viral soccer videos.

The page now reads as “Remembering Thomas Jakelich”. Our best wishes to his family. Rest in peace, Thomas.

Source: NBC Sports