An Arizona high school football community is binding together to mourn the loss of a 15-year-old player who drowned to death Monday while at a football camp.
Members of the Cesar Chavez High School football team were in the White Mountains at Lakeside Blue Ridge High for summer camp Monday when they decided to go explore a lake in a neighboring town. Christopher Hampton, who joined, was reported missing around 8 p.m.
A local dive team arrived on scene Tuesday morning to help locate Hampton. Local agencies searched for him by boat, ground and air. The high school football player was found dead in Show Low Lake later that day.
Football coach William Chipley made his first remarks on the drowning death of Hampton Wednesday morning on social media.
“This is my man Chris,” Chipley wrote on Twitter. “He never missed practice and always came in with an infectious smile. Chris was using football to find his way in life, and he absolutely loved the game. It’s kids like Chris that give me my “why” to coach football. Chris will live in our hearts forever.”
High schools around Arizona share their condolences online
Since then, there has been an outpouring of support on social media for Cesar Chavez from the high school football coaching community in Arizona.
“Chavez and AZ football communities we appreciate all of your love and support during this tragic time,” Chipley posted on Twitter on Wednesday morning.
Perry High School’s football team from Gilbert posted: “Perry Football is deeply saddened by the news of Christopher Hampton. Sending our deepest sympathies and support to Christopher’s family, loved ones, and the entire Cesar Chavez High School Community during this difficult time.”
Queen Creek High School football also posted similar sentiments:
“Our Bulldog Football Family stands with the Cesar Chavez Football Family as we pray for all that have been impacted by the tragic loss of Christopher Hampton. We send our deepest sympathies to his family, his friends & loved ones, and his teammates & coaches.”
Matt Horton, the father of Phoenix Pinnacle junior quarterback Wyatt Horton, posted on Twitter.
“This is heartbreaking,” he wrote. “Regardless of what school, we are all a football family and we cherish every single player/kid. I’m sure I speak for everyone at Pinnacle High that our deepest sympathies are with that boy’s family, friends, team and community! Simply Heartbroken…”
Tucson Sabino senior defensive end Cedric Jackson Jr. wrote on Twitter:
“Prayers to the family of Christopher and the whole Cesar Chavez program from Sabino Football.”
Tolleson basketball coach Andrew Enciso posted “offering condolences and support to the entire Chavez family and community.”
“Lots of love and support to all those who need it most, especially the Hampton family,” he wrote.
Tempe Corona del Sol football coach Jake Barro and other coaches changed their Twitter profile picture to an image of the Cesar Chavez Champions’ logo in support of the school.
“My deepest condolences to the Cesar Chavez community,” Barro wrote. “I cannot imagine this loss.”
Todd Newman, a Cesar Chavez football parent, posted his thanks to the community for the support shown during this time.
“No words can express the pain the family, team, coaches, and community is going through,” he wrote. “On behalf of the Cesar Chavez Community, Thank you! It means a lot to see all the prayers, support and love from the football community here on Twitter.”
Richard Franco, spokesman for the Phoenix Union High School District, said the district and Cesar Chavez will continue to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.
There has been no word yet on if and when there will be a vigil or team gathering for Hampton and his family.
To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on Twitter@azc_obert