Family of high school freshman who died after collapsing in class remembers ‘a good kid’

EAGLE RIVER, Alaska (KTUU/Gray News) - Friends and family are remembering the life of an Alaska high school freshman who died from cardiac arrest after suddenly collapsing while playing football in physical education class last week.

Mary and James Curry said their son Levi was born with a heart condition, but had surgery to alleviate it.

“The surgery basically healed it,” James Curry said. “Other than that, he’s just like a normal kid.”

Youth football career

Those who knew Levi best agreed that he was seemingly born to play football, standing 6 feet 3 inches tall at just 15 years old.

“I think 17 years now, and I’ve never had a ninth grader start for varsity, especially on the offensive line,” Eagle River High School football coach Jonathan Wetzel said.

Curry’s family said Levi was named one of the best defensive players in the state on Wednesday.

“I called the coach and he told him, and Levi was so excited about that,” Mary Curry said. “He was really joyful and he called his dad to tell him.”

“I was out of town,” James Curry said. “That was the last conversation I had with him, and it was a good one.”

Remembered for kindness

More than a football player, Levi is remembered by those closest to him for his kindness and positive attitude.

“So many people have come up and shared their positive experiences with Levi, and now it’s proven that he’s just a good kid in general,” James Curry said.

“There was plenty of times that I could be having a bad day at work, and I could get to the ball field and you see him coming up, and his smile would just kind of wash that bad day away,” Wetzel said.

Funeral and community support

Levi’s funeral was held on Wednesday. Nearly 500 people attended to pay their respects and show support for the family.

“It’s just overwhelming, how much he meant to the community or what kind of impact he had,” Mary Curry said.

Levi had several siblings.

“It’s just amazing how many people just showed up for Levi,” Noah, Levi’s older brother, said.

“I wasn’t really surprised because I knew he was popular,” Sarah, Levi’s younger sister, added.

In the days since Levi’s death, support has been pouring in for the family.

“I just kept hearing his grandmother say, ‘Man, there’s just so many people that love Levi,’” Wetzel said. “I was like, ‘Well, he made it easy.’”

According to the Currys, two community members built a custom casket that would fit Levi’s large frame

Levi’s teammates also helped James Curry bury his son.

“The football coach, with the team, dug Levi’s grave by hand, which is something that our church does, which is very special,” James Curry said.

Nothing can ease the pain that comes with losing a child, but thanks to the support from community members, the Currys said their lives are just a little bit more peaceful.

“There’s people that we don’t even know about, that we’ve never even met, that have shown great support,” James Curry said. “For as much peace as we’ve had, we know people must be praying.”

As a family grieves, those who knew Levi are remembering his life as one filled with love.

“He knew how to lead when he needed to and he also knew when the seniors were doing their thing and leading,” Wetzel said.

Organ donation and fundraiser

According to his family, Levi was an organ donor. Hospital staff and donor recipients met to honor him this week.

A GoFundMe has been created by the family to help offset the cost of medical bills.