Ivan Garza, a former offensive lineman for Sacramento State University football, died Wednesday at the age of 25 after being struck by a vehicle in Delano, California.
The Delano Police Department responded to a call around 4 a.m. regarding a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle on Glenwood Street. Police reported that the vehicle was traveling northbound when it collided with Garza, who was crossing the street at the time. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and was cooperative as an investigation continues.
Garza played for Sacramento State from 2021 to 2023. He redshirted in 2019 and made his debut in 2021 after the 2020 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He played in all 12 games in his first active season and started all 13 games the following year. In 2023, Garza was named an honorable mention All-Big Sky selection after starting all 13 games.
Sacramento State Football issued a statement on Instagram, saying, "We give our deepest condolences to Ivan's friends and family. He will be remembered as a wonderful teammate, player, and Hornet." The team also told 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."
Before his college career, Garza was a four-year varsity player at Robert F. Kennedy High School in Delano, where he also participated in basketball and track and field.
A GoFundMe page has been established to assist Garza's mother with funeral expenses. As of Saturday morning, the page had raised over $27,000. The page description stated, "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."