By Zoila Palma: The Punta Gorda community, the University of Belize (UB) student community and the football community across Belize are mourning the death of 21-year-old Jaheed Lopez, a promising footballer whose life was cut short in a tragic traffic accident on Wednesday.
Lopez was reportedly returning from farm work in Armenia Village when he stopped along the roadside to help remove a fallen tree.
At around 4:30 p.m., an 18-wheeler truck carrying sand and gravel was reportedly overtaking when it became unstable and overturned, crushing Lopez underneath.
His death has sent shockwaves through Belize’s football community, particularly as he had recently received a sports scholarship from UB that would have provided him with a full ride through school.
UB Athletic Coach Joseph Waight recalled Lopez as a player who brought excitement and unity to the team. “He actually scored in one of our matches, and in the ATLIB tournament, that gave us the opportunity to play for a final match the following day,” Waight said. “Jaheed will definitely be missed on our team because, you know, he brings that excitement to the game. He brings his personal skills onto the field and, like I said, that unity he bonds within the group.”
Wingz Police FC, where Lopez was affectionately known as “Jude Bellingham,” also paid tribute to the young footballer. The club said, “Jaheed was more than just a footballer. He was more than just a teammate. He was family,” describing him as a dedicated, humble and committed player who remained loyal to the club through its journey from the Second Division back to the First Division.
Verdes FC also remembered Lopez as “a true VERDES FOR LIFE,” describing him as “a noble and exemplary young man.”
Coach Waight said Lopez’s legacy extends beyond football, adding that the young athlete’s message was to “continue to work for what we wanted,” because he always strove to become better. “That was his message to everybody: to continue to be different and get better at what you do in order to attain your goals that you have set in life,” Waight said.
The post Jaheed Lopez remembered as rising Football talent after tragic accident appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: The Punta Gorda community, the University of Belize (UB) student community and the football community across Belize are mourning the death of 21-year-old Jaheed Lopez, a promising footballer whose life was cut short in a tragic traffic accident on Wednesday. Lopez was reportedly returning from farm work in Armenia Village when he stopped
The post Jaheed Lopez remembered as rising Football talent after tragic accident appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.