Samuel Allen, an emerging soccer player from Corona, California, tragically passed away on January 29, 2025, at the age of 17.
The 17-year-old was a student at Santiago High School in Corona, where he was involved in several athletic programs, including soccer and Track.
According to some reports, Allen passed away after choking while eating his lunch.
Jesse Hardeman, a soccer coach at Santiago High School, took to his Facebook to share the tragic demise of Samuel Allen and revealed that he choked to death.
Furthemore, Jesse stated that high school player Zoe’s boyfriend, Samuel Allen, passed away last night; while they were on the phone, Allen started choking while eating.
He further added that Samuel’s parents weren’t home, and his girlfriend rushed over to his house and found him lifeless.
Jesse Hardeman recalled Samuel’s last game, stating,
“Never take a minute of your life for granted. I know Tuesday night when he last played no one knew that that would be his last game and that hits me hard.”
Both Samuel and his girlfriend’s team had games the night of his tragic death, and coach Hardeman expressed that all the players played the game with heavy hearts honoring Samuel Allen.
Samuel played midfielder for the Santiago High School varsity boys Soccer team, Corona Sharks.
Likewise, Samuel was part of the class of 2026, and, in addition to his high school career, he played for LF Legends FC ECRL 07 in Chino, California, from 2022 to 2024.
Santiago High Schools and the Whole Corona Community Mourn the Loss of Samuel Allen
In response to his tragic demise, many of his friends and loved ones are sending their heartfelt condolences to Allen’s parents and family members.
Anita Oviedo, a staff at Santiago High, recalled a day before his passing when she saw Allen at lunch.
She stated that he had been at Santiago since Samuel started as a freshman, and he always came to see her at lunch to get his food.
Moreover, Anita described Samuel as a sweet boy and expressed sadness about his untimely demise.
Samuel’s former coach, Carlos Trevino, also expressed his sadness and offered his condolences to Allen’s family.
He stated that he had the privilege of coaching Samuel for many years, from his first year in the club to high school, and he was a hard-working, highly talented kid with a bright future.
Carlos stated,
“To my B07 parents & players thank you for being there all these years. My thoughts & prayers are with you all.RIP Samuel Allen. A great kid gone way too soon but never forgotten.”
Samuel was not only known for his exceptional soccer skills but also was popular for his kind and humble nature.
He was a great friend, a loving son, and an amazing human being; Samuel’s memory will always remain an essential part of the Santiago High School community.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Santiago High School displayed a picture of the late Samuel Allen after their victory in the game on January 31.
- His high school also organized a candlelight ceremony in memory of Samuel Allen.