The Corrigan-Camden student that collapsed on the sidelines during a football game versus Joaquin died Saturday after a week-long fight.
Daniel Rivera, who was not playing in the Sept. 26 contest due to a previous unrelated injury, suffered a brain aneurism. He was taken from the sidelines to Lufkin, then airlifted to Houston.
In an effort to help the Rivera family, the school has held a wrestling event, a local eatery is donating a portion of sales, and individuals have passed buckets through town, held food sales, and organized raffles.
As they have throughout, the school district is collecting donations from Venmo. Those who still wish to help have been directed to Facebook on the Bulldog athletic page, where funds will reach the Rivera family.
Rivera was an offensive and defensive lineman for the Bulldogs on the gridiron.
“People are wanting to give and help,” Rivera’s football coach and Corrigan-Camden Athletic Director Brett Ratliff said. “Wednesday, there was a really big prayer circle for him on the football field. There was a tremendous amount of people there, and even (Friday’s football opponent and school rival) Groveton brought their players and a couple of their coaches came.
“It has been really pleasing to see the community support and the love for Danny and his family. I can’t express enough how much love and support has been given. In trying times, the best in people come out. We have definitely seen a lot of that.”
Ratliff described Rivera as a hard-working, blue-collar kid with an amazing family. He said the high school junior was a very helpful person with a good heart, very quiet and reserved, but had a great sense of humor. Rivera worked in his spare time mowing grass and shining boots.
In a letter from Corrigan-Camden Superintendent Brian Aiken, the announcement was made through social media.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our student and athlete, Daniel Rivera.
“Daniel was not only a dedicated student but also a passionate athlete, a loyal friend, and a cherished member of our Bulldog Family. His energy, kindness and determination left a lasting impact on all who knew him.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Daniel’s family, friends and teammates, who all are grieving this profound loss. During this incredibly difficult time, we encourage everyone to support one another and honor Daniel’s memory through unity, compassion, and strength.
“Daniel will forever remain in our hearts.”
Ratliff said the community that has come together is now leaning on one another for support.
“It is a somber tone, and it is a lot that people are still trying to process,” the coach said. “I think the student body is doing a great job and being strong in their faith, strong with their friends, and strong with Danny’s family. Danny’s family has done an amazing job of holding themselves together through this difficult situation, being a light in the community. The teachers and the school district have done an amazing job. We know that those times aren’t over. There’s going to be ebbs and flows of feelings and emotions. It’s never going to be easy, but we are going to keep honoring his memory.
“I believe that Corrigan-Camden has some of the toughest people. They are some of the strongest, nicest, most welcoming people you can ask for. We’re going to get through it together.”
The football team will wear a sticker on their helmet and matching armbands in recognition of their teammate for the rivalry game versus Groveton, 7 p.m. Friday at John W. Reynolds Athletic Complex.
