17-year-old Eamon Hipps, a standout senior athlete at Western Alamance High School in North Carolina, lost his life in a devastating car accident over the weekend.
The tragic death of Eamon Hipps has shocked his family, friends, teammates, and the entire community in North Carolina.
Eamon was born to loving parents, Kristin Attarian and Tim Hipps.
He grew up with his older brother Tigue in a supportive family environment, and the Hipps family had resided in the Harrisburg area before settling in the Burlington/Elon region of North Carolina, near Western Alamance High School.
From a young age, Eamon showed a passion for sports. He started playing soccer at just four years old, inspired by his mother Kristin, who had been a goalie herself during her playing days.
That early influence led Eamon to pursue the same position, and he embraced it with incredible dedication.
At Western Alamance High School, where he was set to graduate in 2026, Eamon stood out as a varsity soccer goalie for the Warriors.
Standing at 6’2″, he brought leadership, focus, and skill to the field. He helped lead his team to remarkable success, including back-to-back state championships.
In the most recent 5A NCHSAA title game on November 22, 2025, against East Lincoln, Eamon earned MVP honors after recording seven saves in a shutout victory.
Over 29 games in his senior season, he made 123 saves while allowing only 11 goals, showcasing his reliability and talent.
He also earned prestigious recognitions like United Soccer Coaches All-Mid-Atlantic Region, All-State, All-Conference, Conference Defensive Player of the Year, and Mid-Atlantic All-Region honors.
Beyond soccer, Eamon competed in swimming since he was four, finishing in the top ten at the NCHSAA 3A State Championship Meet in both the 50 Free and 100 Free events.
Beyond athletics, Eamon was a dedicated student who prioritized academics.
In his NCSA personal statement, he wrote the importance of education in his college choices, noting that he had taken numerous AP classes and earned AP Scholar recognition.
His efforts placed him in the top 20% of his graduating class, showcasing a well-rounded young man who balanced rigorous coursework with his demanding sports schedule.
He dreamed of college and balancing academics with his love for sports. Outside of school, he played for the DreamCenter Soccer Club, where he was a beloved member.
He also worked and coached at the Olde Forest Racquet Club, serving as a swim team coach and pro shop employee since his family joined in 2017.
His kindness, positive energy, and hardworking spirit touched everyone there.
The news of Eamon’s death has brought strong reactions from people who knew him.
DreamCenter Soccer Club shared a heartfelt announcement:
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our student, Eamon Hipps, who went home to be with the Lord at just 17 years old. Eamon was a blessing to our team… His kindness, spirit, and love for the game will never be forgotten.”
Via Facebook
They urged prayers for his parents and family, and pointed to a GoFundMe set up to help with expenses.
Olde Forest Racquet Club echoed those feelings, calling him a beloved member whose “kindness, positivity, and fun, hardworking spirit” would be deeply missed.
Friends shared personal stories, too. Brian Vaughn remembered Eamon’s influence on his son, Easton, who looked up to him as a role model and wanted to be a goalie just like him.
“Eamon, you’ll never know the influence you had… Fly high bud,” Vaughn wrote, sending love to Kristin and the family.
Western Alamance High School confirmed the loss in a message to families, describing Eamon’s “infectious smile,” love for athletics, and academic excellence.
The school opened its gym for remembrance and offered support services for grieving students and staff.
Though the family has stayed private in their grief, the outpouring of love from the soccer community, school, and beyond shows how much Eamon meant to so many.
A GoFundMe organized by Sheila Laparra, with a $50,000 goal, helps cover burial costs and supports Kristin and Tim during this heartbreaking time.
“Nobody should ever have to bury their child,” the page reads, calling Eamon a sweet young man who always smiled and uplifted others.
Eamon Hipps lived a short but bright life full of passion, leadership, and kindness. His memory lives on in every save he made, every teammate he encouraged, and every person he inspired.
Rest in peace, Eamon.
The community holds his parents, brother, and loved ones close in thought and prayer during this painful time.
