Crest High School varsity football player, Damarius Galarza, took his last breath suddenly in his sleep on December 10, 2026, at the age of 18, because of a medical event.
It was Damarius’ mother, Michelle Franco, who confirmed his demise in a GoFundMe campaign where she expressed her unbelievable amount of grief after losing her son so unexpectedly.
“The loss has left our family heartbroken, and we are trying to find our way through this unimaginable pain,” she wrote.
Everyone who knew Damarius talks about how he made everyone feel at home and always had a smile ready to make someone’s day better.
Michelle shared those things herself when she set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the costs of his funeral and an urn since the family chose cremation.
She wrote about how her son was a truly special young man whose kindness reached so many people, writing:
His laugh was contagious and he could make anyone smile, no matter what kind of day they were having.
Michelle Franco
My son was always willing to help anyone, and his kindness touched so many lives. We want to honor his memory and give him the farewell he deserves.
Her son, Damarius, was born in Lebanon on July 17, 2007. He grew up to become an honor roll student at Cedar Crest, playing football as a defensive end for the Falcons.
Besides football, Damarius also ran track, worked at Wendy’s since he was 15 because he was proud of standing on his own.
The high school football player had just gotten his driver’s license a couple of days before he passed away.
Above all, Damarius had plans to head to Pennsylvania College of Technology in the fall to study construction management.
Outside of all that, he loved simple things like fishing, skateboarding, rollerblading, riding his bike, playing piano, especially for his niece, who was born right around his birthday, and cheering hard for the Philadelphia Eagles.
For Michelle, this loss came out of nowhere, right after her son started feeling that independence he worked so hard for.
She is now facing not only the emotional weight but the practical side of saying goodbye to him in the way he deserves.
Henceforth, Michelle set up a fundraiser to help with the funeral costs. She asked for help, writing:
Any support from our community would mean so much to us during this difficult time. Thank you for keeping our family in your thoughts and for helping us celebrate the life of a truly special young man.
Michelle Franco
A day ago, she penned her raw feelings, reminiscing about their good old days. She wrote:
Dear Son, I thought of you today just like I do every day. I thought about all the hopes and dreams I had for you.
Michele Franco
I miss your hugs. I miss your “I love you Mom.” I miss your loving heart.
“What am I to do without you? My world is so lonely……,” the mourning mother expressed her grief.
During this challenging time, we pray for the strength of Michelle, friends, teammates, and extended family.
Rest Easy, Damarius Nalik Galazra!
