Western New Mexico University students, faculty and staff are grieving the loss of a Mustang student athlete. Freshman Eddie Cruz died in a drowning incident at Bill Evans Lake on Monday.
“We are devastated by the loss of this student. Eddie was a phenomenal kid with a bright future,” WNMU President Dr. Joseph Shepard said.
Cruz was 18 years old and studied kinesiology at WNMU. The freshman was a wide receiver on the Mustang football team and wore number 82.
“Eddie will always be a part of our Mustang family. We are thinking of and praying for his loved ones during this extremely difficult time,” said WNMU Director of Athletics Scott Noble.
From El Paso, Texas, Cruz graduated from Eastwood High School this past spring.
WNMU is providing counseling for students affected by Cruz’ death.