The family of a former Sacramento State University football star has been devastated after the 25-year-old was fatally struck by a car.
Ivan Garza was crossing the road in the small town of Delano, California around 4 a.m. Wednesday when he was hit by a female driver, according to the statement from the Delano Police Department.
Delano is in the Central Valley, about 30 miles north of Bakersfield.
The family of former Sacramento State football star Ivan Garza is devastated after he was fatally struck by a car. GoFundMe
Garza, 25, was killed in the small town of Delano Wednesday. GoFundMe
Police said the woman stayed on scene with the young man until emergency personnel and cops arrived. Garza was transported to the hospital where he later died of his injuries.
In a heartbreaking tribute, the family described the proud Delano native as a person with a huge heart both on the football field and off.
“Ivan will be remembered for the person he was—a gentle giant with a kind heart, an infectious smile, and a genuine love for his family, friends, teammates, and everyone fortunate enough to know him,” a GoFundMe read.
Garza was transported to the hospital where he later died of his injuries. GoFundMe
Garza was described as a proud Delano native who previously played for the Sacramento State Hornets as an offensive lineman after graduating from Robert F. Kennedy High School.
“He helped lead Kennedy High School to a Central Section Championship and later earned All-Big Sky honors at Sacramento State,” the tribute read.
“His sudden passing has left his mother, Sandra, and their entire family heartbroken.
“No family is ever prepared for a loss like this, and in addition to the overwhelming grief they are carrying, they are now faced with unexpected funeral expenses and the financial challenges that come with such a devastating tragedy,” it added.
In a heartbreaking tribute, the family described Garza as a person with a huge heart both on the football field and off. GoFundMe
Garza was a proud Delano native who previously played for Sacramento State Hornets as an offensive lineman. GoFundMe
Garza’s high school also reacted to the tragic news, sharing a sweet photo of him and touching tribute on Facebook.
“The Thunderbird Family lost a young man too soon. Our condolences go out to the Family of Ivan Garza,” the post read.
“He was a success story out of RFK and Delano as a whole. He showed that big things can come from small places. His heart was as huge as his size. Rest easy young man, you are at peace.”
“This news breaks my heart. I had the great privilege to meet Ivan as a new Kinder student at Albany Park,” one person wrote in the comments.
Garza’s cousin also shared kind words in a post on social media, writing that Ivan was the “light in every room” he walked into, with the “biggest, kindest hearts” she ever knew.
The cause of the fatal crash is under investigation.
It has not yet been determined whether drugs or alcohol were factors in the collision, per police.
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