A Southern California high school student who had dreams of playing professional football was killed in a street fight Friday afternoon, authorities said.
Aziel Zacapala, 15, a sophomore at Rosemead High School, died after he and two other individuals were stabbed around 1 p.m. in El Monte, a city in the San Gabriel Valley east of Los Angeles. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is assisting the El Monte Police Department with the investigation.
The two other victims, identified as adult men, sustained injuries and are in stable condition at a local hospital, according to officials.
The stabbing occurred during an altercation in the 9700 block of Fern Street. Police were alerted after a local hospital reported that three victims had been brought in following the incident. Zacapala succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
Investigators have not yet determined the number of suspects involved or released any descriptions of those responsible.
Family members remembered Zacapala as a kind and promising young athlete. A GoFundMe page established by his family described him as a "beloved nephew, friend, son, and high school football player whose life was tragically cut short." The page also stated that Zacapala "had big dreams of making it to the big leagues as a football player."
Classmates and school officials also mourned the loss. Edward Zuniga, superintendent of the El Monte Union High School District, confirmed the incident and stated that wellness support would be available for students and staff at Rosemead High School.
A memorial of candles and flowers has been placed at the site where the violence occurred, which is across the street from an elementary school.
The investigation into the fatal stabbing is ongoing.