Tragedy struck Labor Day Weekend and according to Western New Mexico University officials, Eddie Cruz, a former wide receiver for Eastwood High School, died yesterday in a drowning incident at Bill Evans Lake on Monday afternoon.

Cruz, 18, pursued a major in Kinesiology while juggling college athletics as a receiver for the Mustang Football team. The Mustangs will kick off their season this Saturday in Surprise, AZ against Ottawa University, Arizona at 7 p.m.

He was a standout at the high school level for the Eastwood Troopers, amassing 1,233 receiving yards and scoring 12 touchdowns during his two seasons of varsity football. 

"We are devastated by the loss of this student. Eddie was a phenomenal kid with a bright future," WNMU President Dr. Joseph Shepard said in a release.

"My heart is broken. Eddie was a great kid with a bright future. The hearts of our coaches and prayers go out to his family" said head coach Frank Tristan.

"Eddie will always be a part of our Mustang family. We are thinking of and praying for his loved ones during this extremely difficult time," said WNMU Director of Athletics Scott Noble.

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