Father-to-Be, 19, Killed by Falling Tree Limb: 'A Smile That Would Just Melt Your Heart'
A 19-year-old soon-to-be-father and former high school football star has died after he was struck by a tree branch
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office said that 19-year-old Aiden Hernandez, of Woodland Park, Colo., died on May 29, following the work incident
The former football player was set to welcome his first child with his longtime girlfriend in JulyA 19-year-old soon-to-be-father and former high school football star in Colorado has died after he was struck by a tree branch, local authorities say.
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office confirmed to local outlet KRDO that 19-year-old Aiden Hernandez, of Woodland Park, Colo., died Thursday, May 29.
Deputies were called to the scene after a work accident in Colorado Springs, about 70 miles south of Denver, just before 10 a.m. local time on May 29. Although they administered CPR, Hernandez was pronounced dead on the scene, the Sheriff's Office told the outlet.
Members of the local community have spoken out about Hernandez's death. The soon-to-be-dad was a well-known high school football player and was described in his obituary as "a talented athlete" who was "known on the football field as 'The Beast,' a nickname earned through his passion, strength, and dedication to the game."
"Incredible young man, great energy, A smile that would just melt your heart. Very intense. Very driven young man, even from an early age," the teen's former football coach, Chad Drummond, told KRDO.
"It dropped me to the floor," Drummond said of the 19-year-old's death. "I don't know if I've still accepted it."
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for further information.
Hernandez was expecting his first child, a boy to be named Zion, with his longtime girlfriend this summer.
"He was preparing to be an incredible father and partner, ready to build a beautiful life full of love, adventure, and devotion," his obituary states.
In his final Facebook post shared just hours before his death, Hernandez wrote: "I have no words for how much I love this woman, and for what we have coming! I'm forever grateful and I count the days down till we can meet little Zi."
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Drummond told KRDO that his family was extremely close-knit.
"If he had an event, everyone was there. If someone else in the family had an event, they were all there," Drummond said. "They supported each other from morning to night, which is why my heart breaks for this family. It is absolutely a catastrophic loss."
The 19-year-old's family shared in his obituary that he "lived life to the fullest."
"Whether he was jumping off cliffs, climbing mountains on camping trips, or swimming across Pueblo Reservoir, he approached every adventure with a fearless heart and a bright smile," the obituary adds. "Even during difficult times, Aiden's focus was always on lifting others and making the most of every moment."
A celebration of life is set to be held on Sunday, June 7.
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