A cheerleading leader and beloved athlete died suddenly at the age of 30.
Eric Ortiz was an inspiring athlete, cheerleader, and a former Louisville Cardinals member who was a ten-time national champion in cheerleading.
Over the weekend, Ortiz was reportedly found lifeless after dying “unexpectedly” from causes that are yet to be determined according to his loved ones.
“My heart is truly broken. How can such an amazing person be taken away from us?! Why?! Eric, I love you and I miss you so much. I can’t even believe I’m writing this. This one hurts,” his brother, Richie, announced as he shared an undated photo of the two brothers at a party.
The tragic news was confirmed by GymTime All Stars and the Louisville Cardinals just moments before the 30-year-old alumni was set to return to his school for an epic homecoming and cheer alongside younger generations of cheerleaders.
“Eric was a sweet, amazing, and genuine person. There were always plenty of smiles, hugs, and reasons to laugh when he was near. His positivity was infectious with his teammates, program, and friends. He was a light that pushed whatever darkness and worry present- away,” GymTime All Stars wrote.
In a tribute to the “captivating” sportsman, the Cardinals added: “This weekend was supposed to be like any other Homecoming weekend here in Louisville. This Homecoming weekend turned out to be one none of us expected.
“Eric Ortiz was a force when he joined our program. He could stunt, tumble, jump, dance, and perform with some of the greatest athletes that have ever stepped a shoe onto a cheer floor.
“He was captivating as an athlete. He could do it all and that he did. He was a leader at practice and on the competition floor.”
Following the dedicated young man’s shocking passing, countless tributes to the cheerleading champion poured in.
Among the heart-wrenching tributes was that of Gabi Butler, a star of Netflix’s Cheer and a close friend of Ortiz.
“My heart is completely torn into a million pieces. The thought of not being able to hear your laugh or see that beautiful smile shatters me,” she wrote.
“I wish I could have given you more, because you gave so many people so much of yourself. You walked into a room and it lit up with this bright light. You were full of joy, laughter, happiness, light and love.”
Butler added: “From the very moment I saw you, I knew you were special. You walked over to me with the biggest smile on your face and said ‘Hi I’m Eric, I’m your new base… can I throw you?’ and I knew from that point on that we were going to click and be best friends.”
The grieving friend went on to say that Ortiz was “too good of a person” and that her love for him and the memories they made will never be lost.
“Your memory will live with me forever and I want to thank you for making me feel like I was invincible because you always made me feel like I was on top of the world. I love you with all my heart and soul Eric… rest easy my angel, you will always be missed and in my heart,” she concluded.
Our thoughts are with Eric’s loved ones during this tragic time.
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