Colorado High School Football Player, 16, Dies “Unexpectedly”

A Colorado high school football team is grieving the loss of a 16-year-old freshman player, calling him a "shining light." 

Videos by Wide Open Country

The Columbine High School football team took to

Facebook to confirm the passing of Noah Vesich earlier this week.

"We are absolutely devastated to learn about the passing of one of our bright student athletes, Noah Vesich," the team wrote alongside photos of the teen on Sept. 23. "He was a shining light to all who knew him. We are praying for his family and friends during this difficult time. #21 #Rebelball26."

In a follow-up post over on X, the Columbine High School football team added that Vesich died "unexpectedly."

Of course, the comments section to the team's Facebook post is filled with words of support for a mourning community.

"So sad! Sending love and hugs to Noah's family," one onlooker wrote. "Rest easy Noah Forever Number #21 You will be missed at columbine," another comment read. "He was such a great kid with a fantastic sense of humor. Praying for his family," another thoughtful person wrote.

GoFundMe Established for High School Football Player Who Died Tragically at 16

The team also shared a GoFundMe established for the late 16-year-old, titled "Help Noah Vesich's Family After Loss."

"Noah's family is going through an incredibly painful time and is now facing the cost of having to pay for the autopsy and funeral," the fundraising page reads. "In the middle of grieving this loss, these expenses have become an added burden on the family. What should be a time to focus on mourning and remembering Ariana's brother and so many people's friend, Noah Vesich, has also become a time filled with difficult decisions and unexpected financial pressure."

We lost one of our bright young Freshman football players, Noah Vesich, this week unexpectedly. The entire Columbine community is mourning this loss.

If you are able to find it in your heart to help his family, we would be grateful.

Thank youhttps://t.co/scNCoAX1Wj pic.twitter.com/LLNKGxwcos

— Columbine Football (@Columbineftbl)