Former Sacramento State University football player Ivan Garza has died at the age of 25 after being struck by a vehicle in his hometown of Delano this week.
Garza, who played offensive line for Sacramento State from 2021-23, passed away on Wednesday following the tragic collision in the early hours of the morning, according to CBS News.
The Delano Police Department are said to have responded at around 4am Wednesday to reports of a vehicle striking a pedestrian along Glenwood Street.
It is believed the vehicle was traveling northbound when it crashed into Garza, who was crossing the street at the time.
Police said the driver remained at the scene and was cooperative, with an investigation still ongoing.
‘We give our deepest condolences to Ivan’s friends and family. He will be remembered as a wonderful teammate, player, and Hornet,’ Sacramento State Football said in a statement on Instagram.
Ex-Sacramento State player Ivan Garza has died at the age of 25 after being struck by a vehicle
Garza, pictured with his family, was in his hometown of Delano when the tragic crash occurred
The team added in a statement to CBS: ‘On the field, he played a large role in the success of the team during his tenure and helped the Hornets to three conference titles. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, former teammates and coaches during this difficult time.’
After redshirting in 2019, Garza had to wait two years to make his debut for Sacramento State when the 2020 season was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
He appeared in all 12 games during his first active season in 2021, while he also started all 13 games the following year. Garza was later named honorable mention All-Big Sky after starting all 13 games for the Hornets in 2023.
Before heading to college, Garza played football at Robert F. Kennedy High School as a four-year varsity player, while he was also on the basketball and track and field teams.
In the wake of his heartbreaking death, a GoFundMe page has been set up to support his mother, Sandra, as she navigates ‘the financial challenges that come with such a devastating tragedy.’
As of Saturday morning, the page has raised over $27,000 for Garza’s mother.
‘Ivan will be remembered for the person he was,’ the fundraiser’s description reads. ‘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.’
