Friends, family, teammates and folks in the community who felt a connection to this larger than life kid – they all showed up and all had the same question, “why?”
I don’t really know what else to say here. For once, I’m at a loss for words. Pata was murdered a week ago and it feels like a year’s gone by. The more time that passes, the more it seems to hurt. Isn’t it supposed to be the other way around?
Just thinking about all this feels like a punch to the gut. This was so senseless. A good kid with a bright future was taken. A kid who played football, not out of love for the game – but love for his family. He was their ticket to a better life. He knew this and he shouldered the responsibility with pride.
His family was living vicariously through him and when he was buried today, their dreams died as well. I can’t think of anything more tragic.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Pata family, his friends, coaches and teammates.
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