The Chandler High School Swimming & Diving team has announced the death of their Booster President Tony Vasquez and his wife Lisa resulting from COVID-19. After both developing symptoms and being admitted to the ICU, died on December 2nd, 2020 with Lisa dying the next morning on December 3rd.
The deaths of Tony and Lisa Vasquez are not the first to affect the Chandler Swimming & Diving team as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Back in July, the team’s coach, Kerry Croswhite, died from the virus. As was posted for the Vasquez family, a GoFundMe was created for Croswhite to help cover the cost of his medical bills.
Both Tony and Lisa have been very involved in the swim and dive program as their daughter Brisa Vasquez swims for the Chandler High Wolves. In the wake of their deaths, Chandler High community member Shannon Moxley has created a GoFundMe to “help pay for funeral expenses and medical bills so that this family worry less and focus on healing during this trying time.”
- Access the GoFundMe page here.
Along with page, organizer Shannon Moxley writes;
“We are devastated to learn that Lisa also passed away this morning. We appreciate anything you can do to help contribute.”
Chandler Swimming & Diving have also shared a link to the GoFundMe to their Twitter;
Please consider helping one of our very special swim team families. #Ohana @SOC_CHSWOLVES @CHSWolvesHoops @WolvesBadminton @chandler_sball https://t.co/kcDaqDYaZS
— Chandler High Swim and Dive (@CHS1SwimDive) November 26, 2020
As of December 3rd, more than $15,000 in funds have been raised for the cause, from over 160 donors. Many have left comments on the forum sharing their condolences for the Vasquez family:
“Brisa is a good friend of mine while i was on swim. it’s sad to hear the loss of her parents. My family and i donated $100 to help out with expenses. Brisa just know that you are in our prayers ❤️” – Taylor Straw
“I work with Lisa for a long time when I stared in head start I am very sorry and my condolence to her daughter and the family .you are in my prayers love Betty” – Ana Pomina
“We love you Brisa so so much -Sydney” – Kevin Nelson
- Access the GoFundMe page for Kerry Croswhite here.
The news of Tony and Lisa Vasquez’s death came less than a month after the news that Ash Friederich, a baseball coach at a nearby high school in Tolleson, Arizona had also died of COVID-19. Both Chandler and Tolleson, Arizona are located in Maricopa county which as of December 3rd, 2020 has seen over 277,000 cases of COVID-19 and 4,054 deaths according to the New York Times.
I am a CHSC swim team alma mater class of 1982. I love swimming . I am an empath and this is very painful, losing both parents at such a young age. I sincerely pray for Brisa, Chandler is a tight group and people do come through for one another. I ask our lord and savior to be there for Brisa hold her in your safe loving arms and let her know she’s not alone .put people in her life that are supportive and encircle her with protection calm any fears she might have with faith.give her the hope she needs and may she always experience the blessings you provide amen.
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So tragic. I can’t even imagine how terrible this will be to the whole community!
That is devastating. My heart goes out to the Chandler High School team, and especially their daughter, I cannot imagine what she is going through.