Teen wrestler mourned after sudden death at practice in Massachusetts

Community members in Massachusetts are mourning the loss of a teenage athlete who died suddenly at wrestling practice on Sunday.

Freddy Espinal, 17, lived and went to school in Peabody, just minutes from Salem. He died after suffering a medical emergency during wrestling practice Sunday, reported local television stations WHDH and Boston.com. 

The Red Roots Wrestling Club or RRWC, which Espinal was part of, shared the news early Monday morning.

“The impact of his passing will be felt at RRWC, Peabody Veterans Memorial High School and at Saugus Middle High School,” wrote Coach Wayne Moda from RRWC. “As devastating as this is to us all, there is no group impacted more than his loving family.”

Calling the teenager a “larger-than-life personality on and off the mat,” Moda said Espinal was passionate about wrestling but also about his family and what they meant to him. The teen grew to love wrestling during his freshman year and was known to make others laugh.

The club canceled practice Monday night and also planned to close Monday, Sept. 30 due to services for the young athlete.

Another local group, Peabody Babe Ruth League, shared thoughts on the teen’s passing and said he was well-known and loved in the community.

He went to Welch Elementary School and Higgins Middle School before attending Peabody High, where he was a junior, the group said. 

“He brightened the halls … with his infectious smile, winning the hearts of hundreds,” the post read.

Community members encourage young people to express themselves, ask questions

As those who knew the teenager grieved online, some organizations made it a point of theirs to listen to young people as they process their emotions during such a difficult time.

The Peabody Babe Ruth League said it is vital to pay attention to the young people in the community who are likely struggling with pain and confusion due to the teen’s death.

“It is essential that we listen, answer their questions, and offer comfort,” the organization shared. “Life is a precious gift, and the relationships we cultivate are invaluable. Let us all strive to empathize with those whose lives have been so tragically disrupted.”

Moda, from RRWC, announced Monday that the club would be open for a bit so members could stop by.

“Coaches will be at the club from 6-7:30 for any members that want to come grieve, talk, or to just remember Freddy,” he wrote.

Fallen teenager was a ‘kindhearted young man’ and immigrant

Espinal was born in Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic. He came to the United States when he was just 6 years old, according to an online obituary about him.

He was a junior at Veterans Memorial High School and was “a kindhearted young man who was passionate about his family and sports, specifically wrestling.”

He was part of the Peabody/Saugus High School wrestling team and the Peabody High School football team.

He leaves behind his mother, his father, his stepmother and six sisters, as well as his paternal grandmother, his maternal grandparents and a host of cousins, aunts and uncles.

Loved ones plan to start a scholarship in his honor and community members have gathered just over $52,000 to support his family.

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Follow her on Twitter at@SaleenMartin or email her atsdmartin@usatoday.com.