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Player Dies in Flag Football Tournament
Last Updated on Monday, 29 June 2009 02:53 Written by Jim Buzinski-Outsports.com Monday, 29 June 2009 02:52
Tragedy Strikes Gay Pride Bowl
Chicago,IL-Tragedy struck at the second annual Pride Bowl gay flag football tournament in Chicago, when Jorge Lopez, a player for the Michigan Panthers, passed out on the sidelines during a Friday game and died shortly thereafter. The cause of death, while not confirmed, was believed to have been a heart attack.
Lopez, 41, fell ill during a game against the New York Pieces Bulldogs that began at 11:15 a.m. He was playing quarterback for the Panthers, had just thrown a touchdown pass and collapsed after walking to the sidelines, a witness said.
“He passed out cold during the game and died in the ambulance on the way,” to the hospital, said Shawn Albritton of the Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association, which sponsored the tournament, held at Montrose Beach. “This is so sad, I’ve never been a part of anything like this.”
The game against the Bulldogs continued while Lopez was on his way to the hospital. Tournament officials informed the Panthers about Lopez’s passing during halftime of its second game against the Denver Summit, and the team elected to finish the game.
“He really was a sweet, sweet man and a gifted athlete,” said Molly Lenore of Lopez. Lenore, a player for another New York team in the tournament, played in several softball and flag football tournaments against Lopez.
Lopez had previously played gay flag football while living in San Diego. He was living in Oxford, Miss., with his partner.
Some of Lopez’s former San Diego teammates eulogized him on their Facebook pages.
Michael Jazmin:
I love you Jorge, I will truly miss your competitiveness, GREAT smile and wonderful heart. You have always been a GREAT friend and the best teammate one could ask for. I will always remember our fond memories of all the football and softball tournaments we played in. RIP my friend!
Douglas Komlenic:
I love you Jorge - I am sure you are in heaven playing football. You were an amazing athlete (football player) and MAN. Miss you so much xoxoxoxo.
Steve Cramsie: Rest in peace Jorge … I have rarely met a better guy and a sweeter soul than you. I am sad I will never get to experience that again. Ross Forman contributed to this report.
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