David Widzinski (Twitter Photo)
DETROIT (WWJ) - A special mass is being held at Detroit Catholic Central High School Tuesday morning after one of the school’s star athletes apparently died in his sleep.
Sixteen-year-old David Widzinski died sometime Sunday night or Monday morning. His cause of death is listed as unknown.
“We don’t know how David died. He simply did not wake up yesterday morning. Tragic and devastating to our school community. He was a great young man from a great family,” a school official told WXYZ.
The sophomore helped lead the football team into its second straight MHSAA Division 1 championship game last month. Despite the middle linebacker’s team-leading 15 tackles, the Shamrocks lost to Detroit Cass Tech 36-21 in the state finals.
Senior Alex Iovan said Widzinski was not only his teammate, he was one of his best friends.
“David was just a really great kid. I just, this really doesn’t deserve to happen to him. I’m just at a loss. I really don’t know why this happened,” Iovan told WWJ’s Mike Campbell.
In a statement on the school’s website, Father John Huber, C.S.B. principal said “The hearts of our CC community have been tugged in several different and painful directions over this past year.
“We are confident in the prayers, love and support of the greater community, as we have already experienced over this past year. We are grateful for the prayers and love of students and families from our fellow Catholic, public and private schools: you are good friends.”
Several Shamrocks coaches, students and teachers are Tweeting about Widzinski’s death. The hashtags #PrayfortheWidzinskis, #RIPDavid and #CCFamily were all trending Tuesday morning.
I wish he could see how much people really did care about him and how much respect is given before he left. #PrayForTheWidzinskis
—
Sean O'Malley (@SeanOMalley13) December 04, 2012This is so sad #PrayForTheWidzinskis Bad things happen to great people and no one knows why #RIPDavid
—
Madison Priest (@missmadisonp) December 04, 2012Coach Mach is so right when he says "today is a great day to be alive." Make the most of everyday cause it could be your last. #RIPDavid
—
P! (@gperreault_14) December 04, 2012Scrolling through my timeline has left me speechless... sometimes we forget how blessed we are for each day #RIPDavid #PrayFortheWidzinskis
—
Madeline McClain (@Madeline_Mcc) December 04, 2012If there's a community strong enough to get through so many tragedies it's cc. I know all the cc brothers will persevere #RIPDave #CCFamily
—
Richard Katkic (@thabigcheese007) December 04, 2012David, why did u have to go? U had such a bright future. I will never forget u man. Love u forever #33 #CCfamily #CCBrothers
—
Alex Galiyas (@the_BIGSNACK_68) December 04, 2012This makes me realize how much I love you all and how I will always remember each and every one of you as my friend and brother. #CCfamily
—
Steven Katofiasc (@bigstevekato) December 04, 2012Funeral arrangements are pending.
