Long Beach soccer community remembers Cabrillo freshman who died Friday after on-field medical emergency – Press Enterprise

Tony Ramos — Sat, 18 Jan 2025 21:36:40 +0000

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Members of the Cabrillo High School soccer team look on in shock and sorrow on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, at a vigil for Brian Guzman who died following a medical emergency during a game the night prior, at Cabrillo High School in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)

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LONG BEACH — Tears, flowers, prayers and shock. An emotional vigil was held Saturday morning to remember a Long Beach Cabrillo High School freshman who died Friday following an on-field medical emergency during a boys frosh-soph home soccer game against Long Beach Poly.

Hundreds of community members, including the boy’s family, Cabrillo soccer players and athletes from several other high schools in the Long Beach Unified School District attended the vigil, which was held on Cabrillo’s auxiliary soccer field, where the game and incident took place Friday afternoon.

Also see: Cabrillo freshman dies after on-field medical emergency during soccer game

The boy has been identified by family members as Brian Guzman, 15, who was also on the school’s cross country team.

“I would do anything for him,” said Frankie Guzman, Brian’s older brother, who spoke to community members on behalf of his family. “I would do anything for him to be here again. As a community, I appreciate every single one of you guys at the school, just coming out here and being here for my brother. It means the world to me and it means the world to my family and I cannot thank you guys enough for what you guys are doing today.”

Meanwhile, Cabrillo coach Sandra Castillo said it was a privilege to be Brian’s soccer and cross-country coach.

“It’s a big loss for a team and I just want to say thank you for showing up,” Coach Castillo said. “This really shows how strong our community, how strong our soccer community is. I appreciate every single on of you guys for being here from the bottom of my heart for supporting all of us in this hard time.”

Witnesses said Guzman went to the sideline and appeared to be tying his shoe when he collapsed.

Cabrillo assistant principal Andrea Itson, who oversees athletics, said staff members immediately activated emergency protocols.

“Our player experienced a medical emergency on the field and we activated our emergency protocols immediately and care was transferred to EMTs when they arrived,” Itson said. “Mom was present and went with them to St. Mary’s Hospital. We learned later of his passing.”

“We have a lot of support from our district leadership who reached out immediately last night and were with us every step of the way from communication to providing counseling support which we have in place for next week for particularly our boys soccer team and for students because we believe this will impact many students, teachers, staff members, the students that were there that witnessed it,” Itson continued. “This is super traumatic.”

Meanwhile, Frankie Guzman said his younger brother, who he will always remember for his competitiveness, will be missed.

“This boy showed me out in every single way that he could,” Frankie Guzman continued. “I thought I was good. He was going to go places. I used to play for Millikan a couple years ago. Every single step I made, that boy was right behind me. Right behind me and it hurts so bad because I don’t get to see him grow up.”

Guzman’s older brother said he wanted to impart on everyone, including teammates and opposing players, that tomorrow is not promised.

“I’m here today saying goodbye to my baby brother,” Frankie Guzman added. “Tomorrow is not promised. Today is not promised. I know a lot of you all are tough but today nobody is tough. You have to love on one another like family. It doesn’t matter what school you are. It doesn’t matter where you live, where you’re from, it does not matter. You all have to love one another. I’m going to miss him more than anything.”

Timothy Guzman, Brian’s uncle, who is also a pastor, said his nephew loved soccer.

“He loved playing the sport, playing the game and as many of you know he was a fighter,” Timothy Guzman explained. “Thank you for coming together as one.”

“He was always filled with joy and laughter,” continued Timothy Guzman, as he received condolences from Lakewood soccer players. “He was a man after God’s own heart and he always loved soccer. He’s been playing his whole life and is multi-talented. He chose to serve God with all his heart.”

The freshman was also fondly remembered by teammates.

“Brian is in a better place now,” said Cabrillo senior Frank Osbourne Russell, who is a member of the soccer team and the school’s student body president. “He was a little boy, didn’t even finish high school yet. I send my condolences to the family for their loss.”

The Long Beach Unified School District released a statement Friday regarding the incident:

“We are heartbroken to share that a Cabrillo High School 9th grade student passed away after experiencing a medical emergency during a soccer game,” the district’s statement said. “Our thoughts are with the student’s family, and the entire community. Counseling services will be available when school resumes on Tuesday to support those in need. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, no further details will be shared.”

Cabrillo High administrators canceled all of its sporting events after the incident happened Friday.

Cabrillo’s next soccer game is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 22 against Jordan High at Compton College.

The school community is planning a memorial service. Details will be released at later date.

Originally Published: January 18, 2025 at 1:23 PM PST

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Long Beach soccer community remembers Cabrillo freshman who died Friday after on-field medical emergency – Press Enterprise