Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
- The West Jordan community is mourning the unexpected loss of Jesse Cervantes, a cherished youth lacrosse coach who died from a heart attack last month.
- Over 100 friends and family members gathered to honor his memory, celebrating his contributions as a coach and his dedication to family life.
- Cervantes' positive influence and love for his family were highlighted by his wife, Brittany, and head coach Mike Heath encouraged the team to emulate Cervantes' values.
WEST JORDAN — A West Jordan community is mourning the loss of a beloved youth lacrosse coach who suffered a heart attack during Saturday's game and suddenly passed away.
Wednesday night the team and more than 100 friends and family members gathered to remember 37-year-old Jesse Cervantes.
It was emotional as kids and parents, many bonded by youth lacrosse, celebrated the man. They said he was always happy, always smiling and was the first to celebrate other's accomplishments.
This youth lacrosse team is where Cervantes spent much of his time with his son, 8-year-old Alfie, who plays attack. His wife, Brittany Cervantes, said he had a contagious personality and everybody loved him.
"He was so excited to be coaching lacrosse because he played for Alta in high school," she said.
And while he was many things to lots of different people, one of her favorite things about him was how much he loved his family.
"He was the best dad," she said. "He was passionate about fatherhood, we would call it, you know, we are in our 'parent phase.'"
They loved everything about it and doing it together. The boys on Jesse Cervantes' team loved him too.
"He was a nice, encouraging coach," one of Jesse Cervantes' players told KSL-TV.
Head coach Mike Heath told the boys to strive to live like Jesse did: put family first and be happy.
The night was emotional for everyone who gathered, obvious of the love felt for Brittany, Alfie and Jesse Cervantes. Attendees ended the night by releasing balloons.
Brittany Cervantes said doctors told her Jesse Cervantes may have had a genetic condition that could account for the heart attack. But they had no idea.
A GoFundMe* has been set up to help the family with this unexpected loss.
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
