A former California college football player has died after being struck by a vehicle in Delano, California.
Ivan Garza, 25, a former Sacramento State offensive lineman and Robert F. Kennedy High School graduate, died early Wednesday morning after the collision, according to a
GoFundMe created by his family.
Delano police said a 25-year-old man was crossing Glenwood Street when he was hit by a northbound vehicle and later died at a hospital, police confirmed to local outlet
KGET. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
Garza, a Delano native, was remembered by both his high school and college programs for his accomplishments on and off the field.
“The Thunderbird Family lost a young man too soon. Our condolences go out to the Family of Ivan Garza. He was a success story out of RFK and Delano as a whole. He showed that big things can come from small places. His heart was as huge as his size. Rest easy young man, you are at peace,” the Robert F. Kennedy High School football program said in a
Wednesday Facebook post.
Sacramento State Football also issued a
statement, saying, “We give our deepest condolences to Ivan’s friends and family. He will be remembered as a wonderful teammate, player, and Hornet.”
Garza graduated from Robert F. Kennedy High School in 2019, where he played varsity football all four years and earned First Team All-State honors for small schools and All-South Sequoia League recognition as a senior, according to his Sacramento State football
bio. He also competed in basketball and track and field during high school.
He went on to play at Sacramento State from 2021 through 2023 after a redshirt season in 2019 and a canceled 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During his collegiate career, Garza became a key part of the Hornets’ offensive line. He appeared in every game across three active seasons and started the majority of them. In 2023, he started all 13 games and earned honorable mention All-Big Sky recognition. He was also part of an offensive unit that allowed just 16 sacks that season.
In 2022, Garza again started all 13 games and contributed to a record-setting rushing attack that totaled 3,369 yards and averaged 5.4 yards per carry. He began his active career in 2021, appearing in all 12 games and starting the final 10 at left tackle while earning Big Sky all-academic honors.
A
GoFundMe campaign created to support his family described Garza as “a gentle giant with a kind heart, an infectious smile, and a genuine love for his family, friends, teammates, and everyone fortunate enough to know him.”
The fundraiser states that Garza’s death occurred in a hit-and-run crash, though police said the driver remained at the scene. The campaign also notes that his death has left his mother, Sandra, and family facing unexpected funeral expenses.
As of Thursday evening, more than $22,000 had been raised toward a $35,000 goal.
