The Tinley Park community mourns the sudden and tragic death of Ares Roper, a beloved coach, father, and U.S. Air Force veteran, who collapsed on Vogt field this past Friday night.
The news has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit athletic community where Roper dedicated countless hours to coaching youth sports.
Ares Roper died unexpectedly after collapsing during what would become his final moments on the field he loved so much.
The Tinley Park Athletic Club and T-Bolt Football Foundation announced his passing with heavy hearts, describing the profound impact his death has had on the entire community.
The sudden nature of Roper’s death has left family, friends, and fellow coaches struggling to process the loss of someone who touched so many lives through his dedication to youth athletics and his unwavering commitment to his family.
Ares leaves behind his beloved wife Erica, whom he considered his best friend, and his two sons, Ethan and Liam, of whom he was fiercely proud.
The U.S. Air Force veteran found his true calling not only in serving his country but also in nurturing young athletes and creating memories around the family grill.
His presence extended far beyond his immediate family, as community members describe him as a father figure to countless young people in Tinley Park.
His encouragement and support created lasting impacts that will continue to resonate throughout the community.
Coach Roper’s Death Sparks An Outpouring Of Grief Across Tinley Park
Coach Roper devoted his springs and early summers to the Bobcats Baseball program, while his late summers and falls belonged to the Bulldogs Football.
His commitment to youth sports went beyond the typical coaching duties – he poured his heart into every game, every practice, and every interaction with young athletes.
The Tinley Park Bobcats organization expressed their grief in a heartfelt social media post, emphasizing how Roper served as a valued member of the community who made lasting contributions to youth baseball.
Similarly, the Bulldogs Football program highlighted his role as a beloved coach and friend whose impact transcended the football field.
The outpouring of support following Roper’s death demonstrates the widespread impact he had on the Tinley Park community.
Jeremy Collazo, a friend and neighbor, shared his struggle to find adequate words to express his grief, describing Roper as “an amazing soul” and “a top tier Father and Husband.“
The Tinley Park Bulldogs Baseball & Softball organization emphasized the unity of the athletic community, stating that regardless of team affiliations,
“we are always ONE Tinley Park family and we always stand together.”
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Veronica Maxwell Stover extended condolences to Maria Roper-Howell, Ares’s mother, highlighting how the loss affects multiple generations of the family.
The ripple effects of his death continue to spread throughout the extended family and broader community network.
Community members knew him as a fixture in the stands, consistently cheering on his son Ethan at Andrew High School and supporting Liam through the Bulldogs wrestling program.
His presence encouraged not only his children but to all the young athletes who competed.
His love for grilling became another way he connected with the community, creating gatherings that brought people together and strengthened the bonds within the athletic programs he supported.
The Tinley Park Athletic Club and T-Bolt Football Foundation have organized a fundraiser to support the Roper family during this difficult time.
The organizations acknowledge that while no amount of money can ease the family’s pain, they hope to alleviate some of the financial burdens that accompany such an unexpected loss.
All donations collected will go directly to Erica, Ethan, and Liam to use as they need during this challenging period.
The fundraising effort reflects the community’s commitment to supporting one of their own families in crisis.
Rest In Peace, Coach.
