The Omaha soccer community is mourning the loss of Peter Wanjohi, a 17-year-old former athlete with Sporting Nebraska FC, who tragically passed away in an accident.
The news came straight from the club’s social media, shared with the family’s permission. In their post, they ended with a powerful update:
“Peter made a huge decision a few years ago to be an organ donor and we will honor his decision. Donate Life has been amazing to him and us. Right now, they have found that he can donate his heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, pancreas, bone marrow, and large bones. They are working on making matches. On Wednesday they will do a vigil here for us, his family and friends. Thursday they will have found all matches so that evening he will take his honor walk to surgery.”
Via Facebook
Peter wore the #13 jersey for Sporting Nebraska FC.
He grew up in Santan, Arizona, the son of Charles Kw and Maria Wanjohi, before the family moved to Omaha. He was their only son.
Peter attended Omaha Westside High School, where he graduated in 2024, and continued playing soccer from 2021 to 2023 as a forward, wearing the #11 jersey.
This fall, he started as a freshman at the University of Arizona. There, he carried big dreams and the quiet hope of everyone who knew him.
Professors remember his sharp mind. Classmates talk about his work ethic. Friends still smile thinking of his gentle humility.
Peter lifted people without trying. He simply showed up, gave his best, and made everyone around him want to do the same.
The suddenness of Peter Wanjohi’s death has left a hole no one knows how to fill. His parents face a future without their only child.
His teammates stare at an empty spot on the field. His professors walk past a desk that will stay empty.
Yet even in the pain, Peter’s choice to donate organs brings light. His heart will keep beating in someone else.
His lungs will help another person breathe. His kidneys, liver, pancreas, bone marrow, and bones will give strangers a second chance.
On Wednesday, friends and family will gather for a vigil. On Thursday, Peter will take the honor walk to the operating room, one last act of kindness.
The tributes continue to flow, vividly portraying a boy who was effortlessly lovable.
Amanda Shepard wrote,
” “Our hearts are heavy hearing about the loss of Peter. He was Brayden’s teammate and friend to so many, and this news is just heartbreaking. Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.”
Via Facebook
Kathy MannMcGauvran shared a longer note:
“There are simply no words that can express the depth of sorrow we feel for your unimaginable loss. Please know that our hearts are with you and your family during this painful time. Peter was such a remarkable young man—his kindness, energy, and bright spirit touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. My son Ryan will always remember how much light Peter brought into their days, both in high school and here at the University of Arizona. His genuine warmth and that infectious smile made every room brighter. As you prepare for the donor walk, please know that Peter’s friends will be there, with you, to honor him and the incredible legacy he leaves behind.”
Via Facebook
Katti Kollman Baurely added,
“We loved watching Peter play over the years. He was a class act on and off the field. William is so heartbroken to lose a friend. And considering our soccer community, it’s more like losing a brother for him. Our hearts go out to the whole family.”
Via Facebook
Felisia Tagaban Gaskin spoke for the Native SOAR program:
“On behalf of the Native SOAR student, staff, and faculty community, I offer our condolences to Peter’s loved ones, near and far. We had the honor of working alongside Peter as he served as a mentor to students at a local high school. We are deeply saddened but forever grateful that we had the opportunity to get to know him.”
Via Facebook
Chris McCormick, one of Peter’s former coaches, wrote,
“Charles Kw & Maria Wanjohi—I am so deeply sorry to hear about Peter. He was and will forever be one of my favorite kids that I had the honor to coach. As good of a player as he was, he was 10x the person. Just a truly wonderful and amazing young man. Please know that Joey, Aedan and I are sending you our best wishes and thinking of you all.”
Via Facebook
In just 17 short years, he accomplished more good than many do in a lifetime, being a talented soccer player, a devoted student, a quiet leader, and a generous donor.
The vigil and honor walk will be hard. But they will also celebrate a boy who kept giving, even after his last breath.
Peter, you will forever be in everyone’s hearts.
