HS football team shellshocked after co-captains die 48 hours apart
Students at Lynnwood High School near Seattle are in mourning following the deaths of the co-captains of the football team less than 48 hours apart.
Sayon Savorn, who was a junior, committed suicide at his home in Lynnwood, according to KOMO-TV in Seattle. He was found by his mother, Sheri Tada, on Saturday.
“I don’t think any mother should have that vision in their mind,” Tada told KOMO. “And every time I close my eyes it’s there — it’s what I see.”
On Monday, co-captain Ryan Truong, a senior, was found dead.
The Snohomish County Medical Examiner said further lab tests were pending but it appeared Truong, who was set to graduate Friday, died from natural causes, according to KOMO.
Truong and Savorn were both 17 years old.
Rest In Peace our sons #11 & #25. Always on our mind, Forever in our Hearts. #WePlayForYou pic.twitter.com/rgwUNgwtH3
— Lynnwood Football (@LHSRoyalsFB) June 12, 2018
“It’s like a double blow,” Lynnwood football coach Keauntea Bankhead told KOMO. “Losing one, and then find out, and you lost the next one. And those guys were both my captains.”
Grieving students paid their respects at two empty parking spaces at the school Tuesday and held a memorial on the football field Wednesday.
All day long I’ve seen Lynnwood students grieving at 2 empty parking spots after two students died within 48 hours. The story of this community in grief at 4/6pm on @komonews. pic.twitter.com/JXjcfI0WOf
— Patrick Quinn (@PatrickQuinnTV) June 12, 2018
“It’s taught me to cherish the moments you have together.” Hundreds gather in the pouring rain at Lynnwood High School to mourn the loss of 2 students who died over the weekend. Friends tell me they’re still in shock. #komonews pic.twitter.com/9xAZQbIwD8
— Patrick Quinn (@PatrickQuinnTV) June 13, 2018
Tada told KOMO her son had battled depression for years, first talking to her about it when he was in middle school.
“I was so aware, and I was so close with him. But yet, he just could not, he like lost hope,” she said.
Tada put up signs outside the school reminding other students that they are loved.
Two students from @LynnwoodHS have died in the last few days. One from suicide, the second cause has not been released. This mom is putting up signs outside the school to remind students they’re loved. #komonews pic.twitter.com/MNs6E0HmZM
— Patrick Quinn (@PatrickQuinnTV) June 12, 2018
“Love, Inspire, Forgive, Remember, Life Gets Better,” one read.
According to KOMO, the Lynnwood coaching staff decided Truong and Savorn’s jersey numbers, 11 and 25, won’t be worn next season.
“They were like sons to us,” assistant coach Cory Tuiolenuu said. “Always had a smile on their face. Always hard workers. Never complained. First guys out to practice, last guys to leave.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with the young men’s teammates, families, coaches and friends.
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