On November 9, 13-year-old Eric Homersham, a grade 8 student at West Island College in Calgary, Canada, died unexpectedly after collapsing during a school basketball tryout.
The cause of death has yet to be determined.
Eric was a player from the Calgary Wolverines Hockey Club U15 1 team.
Below is the statement from the president of the Wolverine hockey team, Georgina Anderson:
I am writing to you today to share the news that no one ever wants to share. Eric Homersham, a player from our U15 1 team, passed away last night during a school event. Eric has been part of our hockey family since he was a little Timbit in 2014.
There are truly no words to express the sadness we feel as we process this tremendous loss. I know that Eric’s family, friends, and teammates will be comforted in knowing that all of your hearts are with them during this time.
We understand that it may be difficult for some of our players, and other members of our hockey community, to cope with the news of this sudden loss.
We understand that it may be difficult for some of our players, and other members of our hockey community, to cope with the news of this sudden loss. Please know that we are here to support each other. If you are looking for additional resources to help your child cope with this loss, you may find this resource helpful – https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/Page13161.aspx
In memory of Eric, we will be distributing memorial helmet stickers to all our Wolverines teams.
“There’s been an outpouring of support, and they’re grieving because Eric was loved,” said Eric’s father, Robert Homersham.
“He had a lot of friends. He was a real generous, warm-hearted kid. A bit of a prankster, a funny kid, obviously taken from us far too soon. He would have had a great life,” Robert told Calgary Herald.
“We’re heartbroken, and we’re probably forever going to be heartbroken,” added Eric’s mother, Kathy. “He had such zest for life.”
They said their son was an all-around athlete who spent as much time on the ice as he did on the golf course. He was a regular sight on the streets of Willow Park, where he lived, riding a scooter or a bike with his friends since he enjoyed spending time outside.
Tributes have poured in following Eric’s death.
“Our Buffaloes hockey family is also grieving this devastating news. Eric was on our first-ever U13 Rangers AA team and will be missed by all of us,” Calgary Buffaloes Hockey wrote. “The Homersham family has been part of our association for many years, and our hearts are breaking for all of you.”
“Our hearts are breaking over this unimaginable loss. Our thoughts go out to the Homersham Family…” Calgary Royals wrote.
“My heart goes out to the family and friends that are going through this terrible time. I didn’t know Eric but he meant a lot to his teammates and so many people. The house was packed tonight! RIP Homersham,” Jackie Dodds wrote on her Facebook account.
