A community in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, is grieving the sudden death of Cedar Crest High School student-athlete Damarius Nalik Galarza.
Galarza, 18, played football and competed in track at Cedar Crest High School in Lebanon, Pa. The Cornwall-Lebanon School District said in a statement that he “passed away Saturday night as a result of a medical event.”
“On behalf of our entire school district community, we extend our deepest sympathy to Damarius’ family and friends during this very difficult time,” the district added.
His mother, Michelle Franco, confirmed his death in a GoFundMe, writing that her son — whom she described as “a truly special young man” — died in his sleep.
“The loss has left our family heartbroken, and we are trying to find our way through this unimaginable pain,” Franco wrote.
A senior and honor roll student, Galarza had been looking ahead to attending Penn Tech in Williamsport next fall, where he hoped to study construction management, according to his mother.
Franco said her son enjoyed fishing, skateboarding, rollerblading, and riding his bike. She also wrote that he shared a close bond with his niece and was a devoted Philadelphia Eagles fan.
Outside of school, Galarza worked as a cook at Wendy’s. Franco noted that he had earned his driver’s license just days before his death.
More than anything, she wrote, he loved being with family and friends, and his “presence filled every room with warmth and joy.”
“My son was always willing to help anyone, and his kindness touched so many lives,” Franco added.
