An esteemed former athlete from Collingswood High School has tragically passed away in a single-vehicle accident in Pennsylvania.
Ryan Rodgers, an 18-year-old, sustained severe injuries in a crash that occurred on June 26th in Franconia, as reported by local authorities.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered that Rodgers' vehicle had collided with a tree around 7:15 a.m. They were able to extract Rodgers from the vehicle before it caught fire, according to the Franconia police.
He was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Ryan Rodgers, affectionately known as 'The Mayor,' was a multi-sport athlete at Collingswood High School, participating in football, baseball, and wrestling teams each year, as mentioned in the obituary.
His outgoing personality earned him the nickname "The Mayor," the obituary added.
An article from the Courier-Post newspaper in January 2022 described Rodgers, at the time captain of Collingswood's wrestling team, achieving a come-from-behind victory over West Deptford High School.
"It was very stressful," he said. "I just knew I had enough in me to overcome it.
"Coach (Dechlin) Moody pushes us hard in every practice. I knew he could push me to the limit to secure the victory."
A vigil in memory of Rodgers will take place on Friday, June 30th, from 6 to 7 p.m., at Collingswood High School's football field.
Rodgers, who recently resided in Souderton, attended Williamson College of the Trades and was the quarterback for the school's football team, as mentioned in the obituary.
He was en route to work at Lehigh Valley Lawn when the accident occurred, the obituary stated.
Rodgers loved outdoor activities, enjoying snowboarding, hunting, fishing, and off-roading, according to the obituary.
He was also remembered for his "comedic and silly behavior, which was a constant source of entertainment, brightening even the dullest moments."
A GoFundMe campaign is raising funds for a scholarship fund in honor of Rodgers. As of Thursday night, $3,800 had been raised.
Friends and family can call at the Creran Celebration Etherington & Creran Funeral Homes, 400 White Horse Pike, Oaklyn, on Wednesday, July 5th, from 5 to 8 p.m., and on Thursday, July 6th, from 9 to 10:15 a.m.
A Christian funeral mass will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. at St. Aloysius Church, 37 W. Haddon Ave., Oaklyn.
A tribute at the gravesite will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Cherry Hill.
Originally posted at Abogados de Choques
