What was expected to be a regular day of practice at the Turlock Sports Park turned into one family’s nightmare last Wednesday, as 2007 TSP boys soccer coach Jorge Contreras suffered a brain aneurysm on the field.

Contreras was placed on a Mediflight to the University of California, San Francisco medical center where emergency surgery was performed to reduce swelling in his brain. The 30-year-old was deemed in critical condition before passing away on Sunday.

“This is a really devastating and heartbreaking loss for the entire TSP community,” said CEO Fred Rasuli. “He was a young guy with a young family who had a wonderful heart, always wanting to give back to the community, and it’s been a tough time for everyone.”

Contreras is survived by his wife, Mariah, and his son, Leo.

“Thank you for all of the love and support these last few days,” Mariah said through a GoFundMe statement. “Our family is devastated, but your prayers, church masses, GoFundMe donations and kind words have made an impact. It is truly rare to make such an impact on the world at only the age of 30, but my husband did that. I hope that we can move forward in this life with the gifts he gave us and continue on his legacy.”

Broc Hamilton, director of TSP, explained that the organization is currently discussing plans to name a field on the grounds of the sports facility after Contreras.

As for the players on the 2007 team, they have worn shirts and wristbands with messages of support for Contreras and his family.

“It’s a tough situation for the kids, because they were there to see it unfold in person, and all of them are really young, and for many of them, this is their first experience with grief in their lives,” Rasuli said. “But we are a strong family. Turlock Sports Park is a large community for parents, players and coaches and we are all here for to support each other like the family we are.”

The GoFundMe for the family is still actively accepting donations and can be found at www.gofundme.com/f/help-jorge-contreras-family.