Texas High Schooler, 14, Dies After Collapsing During Soccer Practice: ‘She Lived Life to the Fullest’

A South Texas community is grieving the loss of a 14-year-old high school student who collapsed during soccer practice earlier this month.

Christine Fontana was participating in a Robert Vela High School soccer practice on Jan. 15 when she suffered an aneurysm and collapsed, her family told the Valley Morning Star and local station KRGV. She was taken to a hospital and died on Thursday, Jan. 22.

Her father, Izaq Fontana, shared a tribute on Facebook and said the family planned to donate her organs, according to the Valley Morning Star.

“[She] was loved and impacted so many people,” he reportedly wrote. “She has had so many family, friends, coaches, teachers and many more show up to support and show their love for her. We decided to have her become an organ donor, so that she will continue to help people which is what she loved to do.”

Fontana’s aunt also created a GoFundMe to help the family with funeral expenses, describing the teenager as “full of kindness and laughter” and saying she was taken “far too soon.”

“With a soccer cleat in one hand and a mic in the other, she lived life to the fullest,” her aunt Nancy Cavazos wrote. “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.”

Cavazos added: “Her spirit was contagious, her love was pure, and her memory will forever inspire and live in every one of us!”

The Edinburg School District also confirmed Fontana’s death in a statement shared by KRGV.

“Our prayers are with her family,” the district said, per the outlet. “Grief counselors are available for teammates and any students who wish to speak with someone. Support will continue to be offered in the coming days.”