A 15-year-old boy who was stabbed to death during a violent altercation had dreamed of one day becoming a professional athlete, his devastated family have revealed.
Aziel Zacapala died after he was stabbed during a fight on Friday afternoon.
Two adult men were also injured in the incident but are expected to survive, while detectives continue searching for the attacker, as reported by Need To Know.
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Now, heartbroken relatives have spoken of the teenager’s ambitions and the huge hole his death has left in their lives.
In a fundraiser launched to support the family, Aziel’s uncle, Daniel Aguilar, described him as a “beloved nephew, friend and son” who was “full of promise and kindness”.
He wrote: “Aziel was a good kid, full of promise and kindness, and he had big dreams of making it to the big leagues as a football player.
“Just six days ago, Aziel was doing well, spending time with his football friends at Rosemead Park’s Fourth of July event, enjoying life and the camaraderie that meant so much to him.”
Known to friends as “AZ”, the teenager’s dedication to sport and upbeat personality had inspired those around him, his uncle added.
The fundraiser says Aziel’s mother is currently unemployed and is raising two other young children, including a newborn.
She had been completing Instacart deliveries to support the family before the tragedy, and relatives are now appealing for donations to help cover funeral costs and daily living expenses.
“As a father of three myself, I cannot begin to imagine the pain my sister is experiencing,” Aguilar wrote.
Friends, teammates and coaches have also paid tribute to the Rosemead High School student, describing him as a bright talent with a promising future.
His football coach said the team had planned a major role for Aziel in the upcoming season, while his parents remembered him as not only a beloved son but also a best friend.
Police said officers were called to the 9700 block of Fern Street at around 1pm on Friday following reports of a stabbing.
Aziel was rushed to hospital but later died from his injuries.
The two adult victims remain in a stable condition.
No arrests have been made and investigators are still working to determine how many suspects were involved.
Anyone with information has been urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau.
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