High school soccer player dies after being struck by ball

05:41 PM EDT on Tuesday, October 11, 2005

By ERIC ZAGER / WHAS11 News

“It’s kinda crazy for somebody so young to die so early.”

One of their own, a newcomer to Western High School, Francisco Valle-Victorino was a goalie on Western’s undefeated soccer team. On Tuesday, he died from injuries he received in a big district game against Pleasure Ridge park.

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“He was a good kid,” says student Calvin Miles.

Valle-Victorino is so new at Western, they don’t have his picture. The school flew the Mexican flag Tuesday in his honor, as well as the American flag at half-staff.

Principal Louis Hughley was worn out after spending the night at the hospital. “This has been the toughest day of my career. I’ve been in this business for 30 years.”

It’s still not clear what killed Valle-Victorino, but an opposing player trying to score kicked the ball, striking him in the neck.

“Everybody loved him. He was a lovely guy on the team. I know a lot of his peers loved him, loved to be around him,” says Western Soccer Coach Montrelle Irvin.

Despite having a significant language barrier, Valle-Victorino was an instant hit with classmates on and off the field.

“He was nice, friendly. He spoke nicely. He didn’t really cuss around me or nothing like that. He was a nice guy,” says classmate Laessence Buckner.

Officials won’t know exactly what caused his death until an autopsy is performed.

A memorial fund has been established for Valle-Victorino. Donations can be made at any Fifth Third Bank branch.

Web story produced by Jay Ditzer.

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From The Associated Press:

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- Francisco Valle-Victorino was known for his diving stops as goaltender on Western High School’s undefeated soccer team. But on Tuesday, his teammates mourned the 17-year-old from Mexico after his final save turned tragic.

Valle-Victorino died after being struck in the neck by a ball during district play against Pleasure Ridge Park High School Monday night.

At Western High, a Mexican flag waved in the breeze to honor Valle-Victorino.

The fateful play occurred during the second half of Western’s 5-nothing victory. A Ridge Park player dribbled the ball into the goal box and Valle-Victorino dove to defend his goal. Valle-Victorino tried to stand up but collapsed. He was taken to Kosair Children's Hospital, where he died.

Western was to play Tuesday but the match has been postponed.

(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)