VINELAND, N.J. (CBS) — Family, friends and players lit candles and gathered in the end zone Monday night to remember Vineland Blitz youth soccer coach Addiel Ortiz.
Ortiz and a 9-year-old boy, who played for the Upper Township Indians, were killed in a crash Thursday evening at the entrance to the Romano Sports Complex on Maple Avenue.
Coaches and players say Ortiz was everything they ever wanted in a coach.
“He was a coach that taught. He wasn’t a coach that yelled. He was a coach that coached you. If you make a mistake, he’ll coach you through it,” said Ortiz’s friend, Jerome Clements.
“He always put everyone before himself. He always gave back to the community,” Eddie Marrero said.
Ortiz’s family members spoke at the candlelight vigil, including his mother. She says she wants everyone to remember the good times with her son. His sister-in-law says the family leans on each other.
“Love. That’s the only word I can describe him: love. Always happy, no matter what he was going through,” said Tatyanna Mendez.
Fellow coaches say he was always on the field and volunteered his time.
He loved the game and the players loved him too. Many of the young players shared their favorite stories about him.
The young players wear a small sticker on their helmets to bring Ortiz, also known as Coach Addie, to every game as they start the season without him.
Coaches want to show kids that it’s okay to cry, but they need to stay in the game for their coach.
“You were lucky to know him and you were lucky to be taught by him,” Clements said, “so don’t give up because something bad happened.”
Kerri Corrado
