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The soccer community is grappling with a profound loss as a young player from a local team tragically passed away just shy of his teenage years. The Platinum IE soccer club, a hub for young athletes in the Inland Empire, shared the heartbreaking news that 12-year-old Adriel Enriquez died “suddenly and unexpectedly” following a practice session on February 26.
According to a GoFundMe campaign established in his memory, Adriel collapsed during practice, suffered cardiac arrest, and sadly never regained consciousness. The young soccer enthusiast, who was eagerly anticipating his 13th birthday next month, had been a part of the Platinum IE family since May 2024.
In an emotional tribute posted on Instagram, the club described Adriel as “the sweetest, most gentle and shy soul,” whose quiet strength left a lasting impression on those who knew him. The post poignantly noted, “We lost one of our Platinum IE family members after practice, doing what he loved most: being on the field with his team.” This tragic event has left the community mourning the loss of a promising young life and a beloved teammate.
Platinum IE, a soccer club for boys and girls in the Inland Empire, posted on social media that 12-year-old Adriel Enriquez “suddenly and unexpectedly” died after practice on Feb. 26. A GoFundMe set up in the wake of his death indicated that the young boy collapsed during the practice, went into cardiac arrest and never came to.
Adriel, who according to Platinum IE, was due to celebrate his 13th birthday next month, had joined the club in May 2024.
“He was the sweetest, most gentile and shy soul, with a quiet strength that touched everyone around him,” the club said on Instagram. “We lost one of our Platinum IE family members…after practice doing what he loved most: being on the field with his team.”
The team’s post indicated a vigil was held for Adriel on Monday.
“We stand together and one family to honor our teammate, our brother, our #23,” the club said, referencing Adriel’s jersey number. “His spirit, heart and legacy will forever be part of Platinum.”
The GoFundMe set up to help his parents with funeral expenses, time away from work and “breathing room as they focus on grieving and healing” said that the young boy had two brothers, Axel and Arley, who are “now walking through a pain no family should ever have to endure.”
“There are no words that make sense when a child is taken too soon,” the fundraiser reads. “What started as a normal afternoon doing what he loved turned into every parent’s worst nightmare.”
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Adriel Enriquez as seen in a photo included in a GoFundMe. Enriquez, 12, died after collapsing during soccer practice on Feb. 26, 2026. -
Adriel Enriquez as seen in a photo included in a GoFundMe. Enriquez, 12, died after collapsing during soccer practice on Feb. 26, 2026. -
Adriel Enriquez as seen in a photo included in a GoFundMe. Enriquez, 12, died after collapsing during soccer practice on Feb. 26, 2026.
“Adriel loved soccer. It wasn’t just something he played, it was something he truly loved,” the GoFundMe adds. “He showed up with heart, with passion, and with a smile.”
To donate, click here. If unable to donate, the fundraiser simply asks for “prayers for strength, peace and comfort over this family.”
The man who set up the fundraiser, Joshua Gutierrez, is Adriel’s uncle. He spoke with KTLA on Wednesday and said Adriel had no known medical issues, which only adds confusion to the tragedy.
“During soccer practice, Adriel experienced difficulty breathing and collapsed, going into cardiac arrest,” Gutierrez explained. “Paramedics arrived at the scene and attempted to revive him. He was transported to a local hospital, where unfortunately he passed away.”
Gutierrez said that family members and loved ones will be hosting a tribute for Adriel at Toyota Arena in Ontario on Thursday.
Vanessa Garcia contributed to this report.