Bowie High School marching band member dies after collapsing at football game
Update: Esparza's family will hold his service on Thursday, September 14 at 7 p.m. at San Ignacio de Loyola Catholic Church. That is located at 408 Park Street.
They will then hold a burial service on Friday, September 15 at 12 p.m. at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. That is located at 401 South Zaragoza Road.
Update: El Paso Independent School District officials have issued a statement to ABC-7 regarding Esparza's death:
"The El Paso ISD community grieves with the family of Bowie High School student Daniel Esparza who tragically passed away Sunday, Sept. 10. Daniel was a beloved member of the school community. He was a dutiful member of the Bowie band, mariachi group and JROTC who relished his role as a leader. El Paso ISD stands with Daniel’s family and with the entirety of Bowie High School as they gather the strength to deal with this trying time. A team of counselors is available to Bowie students and staff, and the district will provide any additional support necessary. Thank you to our Bowie students and staff, our local emergency first-responder personnel, and everyone in the community who has offered support throughout the last few days."
EPISD
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- A member of the Bowie High School marching band has died following a medical emergency during a football game between Bowie and Ysleta on Friday night.
A spokesperson for UMC confirmed Monday morning that 17-year-old Daniel Esparza has passed away.
According to a GoFundMe set up to help Esparza's family with medical expenses, Esparza was the appointed drum major of the Bowie Marching band this year. He was also a member of Bowie's ROTC program and was described as a "well rounded student."
As previously reported on Friday, he received CPR and defibrillation on the football field of Bowie High School Friday night, according to several witnesses. The remainder of the football game between Bowie and Ysleta was canceled, along with all of the associated activities.
A prayer vigil was also held Saturday night at Jefferson high School for Esparza.
No word has been released at this time regarding his cause of death.
