Tustin High Water Polo Coach Dies at Age 28

Tustin High School in Tustin, Calif., on Jan. 5, 2023. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

Tustin High School and the North Irvine Water Polo Club are mourning the loss of their coach, Francisco “Paco” Gonzalez, after he died Jan. 2.

Gonzalez was, 28.

The pool area of Tustin High School in Tustin, Calif., on Jan. 5, 2023. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

“Our … hearts have been crushed today by the sudden passing of beloved Coach Francisco ‘Paco’ Gonzalez,” an official with the school’s water polo team wrote on Instagram the same day.

Gonzalez was the team’s coach and a special education teacher at the high school. He additionally coached for the North Irvine Water Polo Club—an institution aiming at preparing players for competition prior to entering high school.

The club also expressed sorrow for his loss social media.

The pool area of Tustin High School in Tustin, Calif., on Jan. 5, 2023. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

“Words cannot express the sadness that has hit our community today. Francisco “Paco” Gonzales was a loving father, husband, mentor, coach, and friend,” the club also posted on Instagram.

The club additionally held a candlelight vigil Jan. 4 in Irvine for Gonzalez.

It’s unclear how Gonzalez died. The coroner’s office has not released information about an autopsy.

Gonzalez is survived by his wife and two young children. A GoFundMe page to raise money for a funeral has been established by his wife.