“I don’t know how we’re going to get through it, and how we’re going to go on, but we have to,” said Melissa Verastegui, Family friend.
SAN ANTONIO — About 100 family members, friends and community members gathered Saturday night near Stevens High School to honor 16-year-old Jaren “J-Law” Lawson, a football player who died after collapsing during practice earlier this week.
Lawson collapsed Tuesday during a team workout and was taken to a hospital, where he later died. Authorities have not determined the cause and manner of his death.
Those who knew Lawson described him as a bright presence on and off the field.
“It’s heartbreaking and we’re still in shock about it,” said Melissa Verastegui, who said she considered Lawson like a son. Her son, Ruben Delgado, was Lawson’s best friend.
“He had so much light,” Verastegui said. “A very positive, loving person — nothing got him down. He had a very hard life and you wouldn’t know it if you met him.”
Lawson’s family organized the balloon release to give classmates, teammates and neighbors an opportunity to pay their respects and celebrate his life.
Brian Hall Jr., the team’s quarterback, said Lawson brought energy and excitement wherever he went.
“It’s going to impact us for a little minute, but we have it on our backs,” Hall said. “He’s still with us in our hearts, so we put that on our shoulder.”
Hall said the team plans to carry Lawson’s memory into the upcoming season.
“We miss him and we got him,” he said. “He wanted us to have a good season, and I’m ready to do what we need to do for him.”
Verastegui said Lawson’s positive spirit left a lasting mark on many in the community.
“I don’t know how we’re going to get through it and how we’re going to go on, but we have to,” she said.