Sun linebacker passes away

Photo: Contributed - Greystoke Photography

The Okanagan Sun are mourning a death in the family.

The BC Football Conference club announced Thursday morning the passing of linebacker JT Fernandez.

He was 21.

The club would not reveal circumstances surrounding his death saying only that information would be released at the appropriate time.

“This is a tragic day for our organization,” says President Paul Carson. 

"JT was a wonderful person and a standout on the football field. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family.”

In two seasons with the Sun, the Cloverdale BC native made 47 solo tackles, three sacks, two fumbles, two forced fumbles, two interceptions and blocked two kicks.

The Sun game with the Westshore Rebels, slated for Saturday evening at the Apple Bowl will go ahead as scheduled.

Fernandez is the third member of the Sun to die in season over the past 10 years.

All-star running back Jeff Halvorson passed away Sept 1, 2004 from what an autopsy revealed was an airborne virus that affected his lymph nodes.

He collapsed near the end of practice.

Running back Janson Towers died Oct 11, 2008 when the motorcycle he was riding collided with a semi at Highway 97 and Gordon Drive.