High school football co-captains die within days of each other
Lynnwood High School in Lynnwood, Washington has spent the week dealing with two unspeakable tragedies.
Two students, who were co-captains of the school’s football team, were found dead less than two days apart.
According to KOMO News, Sayon Savorn, 17, committed suicide at his home last weekend. Sayon’s mother, Sheri Tada, found him on Saturday night. Tada said that Sayon, a junior at Lynwood, first told her about his depression in middle school. But despite them being close, Tada said her son lost hope.
“I don’t think any mother should have that vision in their mind. And every time I close my eyes it’s there – it’s what I see,” said Tada, sitting next to a memorial of Sayon.
Less than two days later, the second co-captain, 17-year-old Ryan Truong, was found dead.
KOMO News reported that Truong didn’t die by suicide, but of natural causes. The county medical examiner is still working to determine the cause of death, but said that there are no suspicious circumstances.
Truong was set to graduate from Lynnwood High School on Friday.
Rest In Peace our sons #11 & #25. Always on our mind, Forever in our Hearts. #WePlayForYou pic.twitter.com/rgwUNgwtH3
— Lynnwood Football (@LHSRoyalsFB) June 12, 2018
Lynnwood’s assistant football coach remembered both Sayon and Ryan for their commitment to the team and the joy they found in football.
“They were like sons to us,” said assistant coach, Cory Tuiolenuu.
“Always had a smile on their face. Always hard workers. Never complained. First guys out to practice, last guys to leave.”
The school and the surrounding community are doing their best to handle the loss of two of their own.
They’re grieving together, remembering their friends, and making sure they’re there for each other.
Students at Lynnwood turned two empty parking spots into a memorial for their friends, and wore yellow on Tuesday as a school-wide remembrance.
All day long I’ve seen Lynnwood students grieving at 2 empty parking spots after two students died within 48 hours. The story of this community in grief at 4/6pm on @komonews. pic.twitter.com/JXjcfI0WOf
— Patrick Quinn (@PatrickQuinnTV) June 12, 2018
Parents are doing what they can to remind their kids that they are not alone.
Two students from @LynnwoodHS have died in the last few days. One from suicide, the second cause has not been released. This mom is putting up signs outside the school to remind students they’re loved. #komonews pic.twitter.com/MNs6E0HmZM
— Patrick Quinn (@PatrickQuinnTV) June 12, 2018
On Wednesday, students gathered at the football field to release balloons into the sky to honor their classmates.
“It’s taught me to cherish the moments you have together.” Hundreds gather in the pouring rain at Lynnwood High School to mourn the loss of 2 students who died over the weekend. Friends tell me they’re still in shock. #komonews pic.twitter.com/9xAZQbIwD8
— Patrick Quinn (@PatrickQuinnTV) June 13, 2018
“Fly High Sayon!” – That’s what one woman screamed as hundreds released balloons at Lynnwood High School in honor of Sayon Savorn and Ryan Truong who died over the weekend. Story on @komonews at 6pm. pic.twitter.com/kIDbGURiJa
— Patrick Quinn (@PatrickQuinnTV) June 14, 2018
The coaching staff told KOMO News that No. 11 and No. 25, the jersey numbers of their fallen co-captains, won’t be worn during the 2018-2019 season.
Instead, the team will wear those numbers on stickers placed on everyone’s helmets.
–– LIZ ROSCHER, YAHOO SPORTS