WHS Sophomore Dies Sunday, Teammates Play in His Honor Monday

Posted on: February 23, 2023

According to a story in the Daily Jefferson County Union, “Monday’s Whitewater High School basketball game versus Evansville was about much more than who won or who lost. Ricardo (Ricky) Lopez-Navejas Jr., a sophomore WHS basketball member, died unexpectedly Sunday.

“We were really wanting to cancel this evening, but the family said to go forward in his (Ricky’s) honor,” Whitewater Unified School District Superintendent Caroline Pate-Hefty said. A moment of silence was held before the games began Monday night. Basketball players wore shirts in memory of Ricky warming up before the game and on the sidelines….

Tears were shed, hugs were given, and Whitewater’s community came together to support one another Monday night after a devastating tragedy.”

Here’s the post that appeared on the high school Facebook page on Tuesday:

Teary eyes, full hearts. Last evening, Whitewater came together for Ricky. Your generosity was tremendously moving and raised almost $3000 for the family of Ricardo (Ricky) Lopez-Nivejas Jr. The stands and the gyms were packed; our community, students and staff grieved together, as a family.

So many Thank yous…

Thank you to Ricky’s family for having the intuition to know that this is what our school community needed.

Thank you to our community for your generosity.

Thank you to the students who helped to set up a beautiful memorial for Ricky.

Thank you to our coaches for ensuring our students were supported and could honor Ricky’s memory yesterday.

Thank you to Aropa Designs for printing the amazing turn around in T-shirts for our students.

Thank you to our counseling and pupil services staff that gave of themselves tirelessly to assure our students and staff were okay.

Thank you to our staff for supervising and supporting while also grieving.

Thank you to the administrative team who worked tirelessly to support everyone.

Thank you to Evansville Community School District for your understanding and sportsmanship.

During this difficult time, it was heartening to see everyone come together to support one another. We will continue to accept donations for the family at the HS office through Friday, February 24th. Thank you so much.