NEWPORT — A Newport High School sophomore’s death has left a family and community heartbroken.
Those who knew Yael “Santi” Felix-Trejo, 15, described him as a beloved son, brother, friend and teammate. They said he loved sports, music and “creating his own style in everything he did.”
The incoming Newport High School sophomore died Monday after he fell ill at the first sanctioned school soccer practice of the fall season. His parents and emergency personnel were notified and arrived at the field, Lincoln County School District officials said. He was taken by ambulance to the Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital in Newport where he died.
Family friends posted on social media that Yael died from “an undiagnosed medical condition.”
“Our school community is heartbroken for his family, friends and our entire community,” district officials said in a written statement.
Community members have rallied to support Yael’s family. A GoFundMe account had raised nearly $18,000 by Thursday afternoon to help with funeral, burial and travel expenses to Mexico for Yael and his family. Organizers said the funds will also go toward household expenses and unforeseen costs.
Jessica Arnsdorf is a family friend and the head cheerleading coach at Newport High School. She helped set up the GoFundMe account. “No one should ever have to go through the pain of losing a child,” she wrote in a public Facebook post. “Breaks my heart.”
District officials said counselors were available to support Newport High School students. According to the GoFundMe, a memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 20.
— Oregon Public Broadcasting
