Socastee runner Keahi Mendoza drowned Monday morning in Surfside Beach, WBTV reports.
Donations requested to help with funeral costs
Friends, runners remember Keahi Mendoza on social media - memorial scheduled for Friday night, details at link. sc.milesplit.com/articles/199315 #LoveAlwaysKeahi #schsxc #sctweets#socasteesc #xc #running
Photos - Remembering Keahi Mendoza
Mendoza, an Anderson signee, recently participated in the Mike Moore Shrine Bowl Run.
SCTCCCA official statement by Eric J. Cummings, president: The South Carolina Track & Cross Country Coaches Association has learned of the passing of Socastee HS runner Keahi Mendoza this morning. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, teammates, and friends. Mr. Mendoza was a leader of his high school team, leading them at the S.C. State Championships (he earned a spot on the Mike Moore Shrine Bowl Run Team based on his performance) and racing with his teammates in the Nike Southeast.
"I got to spend some time with Keahi during the Shrine (Bowl) Run and his positive outlook on life and running amazed me. He repeatedly thanked all the coaches for being put on the team. I know he made an impact on other runners that Saturday. Members from the Shrine (Bowl) Run team were the first to inform me of this incident," Eric Cummings-SCTCCCA President and Riverside HS XC/TF coach.
Statement from Socastee coach Robb Urbaniak: "I'm in total shock tonight and I have no words. He was an amazing person and I'd be happy to share some pictures and stories with you in a few days. It's unbelievable how many lives he has touched."
Statement from Anderson University coach Kevin Licht: "The Anderson University Cross Country and Track family is hurting at the news of Keahi passing. While he had yet to race in the AU jersey, he was very much a part of our team. Keahi had a positive attitude that was infectious and he will be greatly missed. We are praying for his family, high school team, and everyone who had the pleasure of calling him friend. Keahi will forever be a part of our family."
"I got to spend some time with Keahi during the Shrine (Bowl) Run and his positive outlook on life and running amazed me. He repeatedly thanked all the coaches for being put on the team. I know he made an impact on other runners that Saturday. Members from the Shrine (Bowl) Run team were the first to inform me of this incident," Eric Cummings-SCTCCCA President and Riverside HS XC/TF coach.
Statement from Socastee coach Robb Urbaniak: "I'm in total shock tonight and I have no words. He was an amazing person and I'd be happy to share some pictures and stories with you in a few days. It's unbelievable how many lives he has touched."
Statement from Anderson University coach Kevin Licht: "The Anderson University Cross Country and Track family is hurting at the news of Keahi passing. While he had yet to race in the AU jersey, he was very much a part of our team. Keahi had a positive attitude that was infectious and he will be greatly missed. We are praying for his family, high school team, and everyone who had the pleasure of calling him friend. Keahi will forever be a part of our family."
Mendoza finished 41st in the Class AAAAA state meet (16:55).
Have memories to share and comment on the forum here. Email jolson@milesplit.com.
Have memories to share and comment on the forum here. Email jolson@milesplit.com.
More on WBTV.com.
TheSunNews.com article
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