The family of a promising boxer who died after a horrific car crash earlier this month have vowed his legacy “will go on forever”.
Amateur fighter Donovan Garcia, 15, suffered severe brain injuries in the smash on January 11.
He was pronounced legally dead last week but his parents, Daniel Garcia and Sade Aragon, fought to keep him on life support before he finally passed away on Tuesday.
The family has now started a memorial fund on GoFundMe which has so far raised nearly £5,000.
The teenager’s cousin Rosmina wrote on the site he had “gone seven rounds” but was tired.
She added: “My 15-year-old cousin, Donovan, was in a major car accident on Wednesday, January 11, 2023.
“He suffered severe brain injuries. Donovan's final test was conducted yesterday. He was not responsive.
“They legally pronounced Donovan dead at 6:18pm on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. “However, being that Donovan's entire body from the neck down was fully functional, his parents fought to keep him on life support.
“Despite their best efforts, Donovan’s health started to decline. Sadly, Donovan fought his biggest battle and went 7 rounds, but he was tired.
“His family wants everyone to know that he is at peace and they are at peace with God’s will.
“We will update everyone on services as soon as we can. Thank you everyone for the continued prayers, support, and love.
“Donovan’s memory and legacy will live on forever.”
During his career Donovan won a number of boxing titles, including the 2019 golden gloves.
In an obituary posted online, the family wrote: “Donovan was loved by the boxing community and many more.
“Boxing was his passion and he won many championships including 2019 golden gloves.
“Donovan has a heart of gold and put everyone before himself. Donovan is survived by his Goddaughter Aurora, sisters Heaven, Anastasia, Zita, Deabrenna, and Destiny, brothers Daniel Jr, Nehemiah, and Xavier.
“Donovan will be greatly missed by all.”
Pat Butler, US boxing official, added: “My deepest sympathies to all of Donovan's family and friends.
“I had the privilege of officiating several of his boxing events. He always conducted himself with great charisma, class and skills.”
Another tribute came from Coach Mario, who met the youngster, from Colorado in the US, at the gym.
He said: “Such a well mannered disciplined young man I thought watching him train. I told my son ‘that kid right there gets it!’
“We would later run into him and his father/Coach Daniel at events and they were always class acts, we enjoyed watching Donovan Garcia perform. Loved his cowboy gimmick.
“Kid was an entertainer/athlete. We lost him here on Earth and Heaven gained an Angel.”
