SAN ANTONIO -- Dozens of teenagers gathered to remember 19-year old Andres Cabrera Cordero, a former Reagan High School football player and wrestler.
“He was an absolute inspiration to every single person he ever talked to. And I think I speak for everyone when I say he was an idol in everybody’s eyes,” said friend Levi McCurdy.
But it isn’t his athletic skills these students say they will miss. It is his leadership, evident by the sheer number of friends who gathered to comfort each other at his family’s apartment complex.
“That’s why we love him so much. We’re all going to be here for him and know he’s going to be in our hearts,” echoed friend Michael Coppage.
Police say Andres lost control of his Ford Focus on Sonterra Boulevard -- just seconds from his home -- on his way to an early morning college class. Officers say he struck a car, over-corrected, and hit a fire hydrant and light pole, killing him instantly.
The bizarre accident shut down the roadway for hours and left his classmates and friends wondering why someone so young with such promise is dead.
“I actually didn’t believe it. I thought it was a joke. I didn’t think this could happen to him. And it did. It is reality and it’s terrible,” said former classmate Alec Faraj.
A candlelight vigil is being planned on the Reagan High School football field at 8 p.m. Wednesday.
Andres leaves behind two brothers and his mother.
Neighbors said the community is planning fundraisers to help with funeral costs.
Donations can be made at any Chase Bank. The account is under his mother’s name: Marcela Cordero Petri.
