Colorado High School Football Player Noah Vesich Dies Unexpectedly at 16

Colorado high school freshman football player Noah Vesich died earlier this week at the age of 16, according to News9.

The Columbine High School football program announced the passing of Vesich, who they described as a "shining light to all who knew him."

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

Vesich, from Littleton, Colorado, played running back for Columbine High School. His family told News9 that he loved family, fishing, football, camping, and exploring Colorado.

A GoFundMe page has been established to assist Vesich's family with funeral and autopsy expenses. As of early Saturday morning, the fundraiser had collected over $32,000.

"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 GoFundMe page stated. "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."

Students wore white to honor Vesich during Columbine's 7-3 road loss to Chatfield, which ended a three-game winning streak for the team. The football team had also promoted the game on its Facebook page with a No. 21 decal for Vesich.