Racine, Wisconsin, is mourning the sudden passing of Tommie Triggs, a beloved former standout at Horlick High School and a U.S. Army soldier.
The news has hit the community hard, with friends, coaches, teammates, and family sharing emotional tributes about a young man who touched the lives of so many in his short time.
Tommie grew up in Racine alongside his brother Willt Chamberlain. He attended Horlick High School, where he quickly became a force on both the football field and basketball court.
From 2020 to 2022, he wore #44 for the Racine Horlick Rebels varsity football team as a versatile defensive end and tight end.
On the basketball team, he dominated the paint, wearing #33 as a power forward. Anyone who watched him play remembers his size, heart, and nonstop motor.
After graduating in 2022, Tommie took the next big step in his life by enlisting in the U.S. Army in February of that same year.
He was proud to serve his country and had big dreams ahead of him. Those who knew him best say he was just getting started.
The Tributes Pouring in Show Exactly how much he meant to People
Former coach Brian Fletcher wrote a message that has been shared all over social media:
“I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of one of our former players, Tommie Triggs. I was so proud of the growth I saw over the years. Your journey was one I always took pride in telling others. This hits hard for a lot of us. Sending up prayers for your family, our former players, and everyone else who loved you. It feels like just yesterday I would tell our QBs, ‘When we run Gone, just hit Tommie over the middle!’ I will forever cherish the memories we shared big 44! Love ya kid!”
Via Facebook
DP Jackson Jr., a close friend who called Tommie his brother, posted:
“I really dont have much to say but Man i cant believe that happened to you brother… you been looking out for me since day one bro… you had such a great dream that you wanted to accomplish and he did get to do that ima miss you man you always be a brother to me bro may yourself rest peaceful bro.”
Vai Facebook
Another childhood friend, going by End Now on Facebook, remembered the simple days:
“Rest up brother I can remember like it was yesterday us playing football in my uncle yard and having fun fly high bro.”
Via Facebook
Even from his earliest days as a football player, people remembered him. Alexandria Gonzales wrote:
“He was on your 2014 Saints team for your very first year ever coaching youth football. Prayers to his mother and his family.”
Via Facebook
The love keeps coming in from former teammates, coaches, classmates, and soldiers who served with him.
Tommie was genuine, loyal, funny, and always had your back.
Racine has lost one of its own way too soon.
Tommie Triggs was only beginning to live out his dreams, which many of us had watched him build since he was a kid throwing the ball around in somebody’s backyard.
His smile, his hustle, and his heart will never be forgotten.
Rest easy, big 44. The whole city has you. 🕊️
