IPSC Players and Families,
It is with great sadness that we are delivering to you the unfortunate news that Chris Akunda, a U13 travel player in Fishers Soccer Club, passed away over the weekend. Chris was participating in the Center Grove Coca-Cola Classic soccer tournament, and during a game on Saturday afternoon, he went to one knee and had to be removed from the game. Chris was taken to a local hospital for treatment, where he passed away later Saturday night.
Since Chris's death, an autopsy determined that he had a hereditary heart condition where a muscular part of the heart grows too large, causing shortness of breath, chest pain, and syncope. It is a common cause of sudden death in young males. His parents were not aware of his condition, nor were there any indications of any health problems for Chris.
He was 12 years old, loved soccer, and his lifelong goal was to play in the European soccer league. He was a seventh grader at Hamilton Southeastern Junior High, where he was in advanced classes and excelled as a student. Chris was full of life, had a great smile, great sense of humor and we have been repeatedly told how much he loved soccer. He started playing soccer in North Carolina when he was four years old, and participated in the soccer Olympic Development Program (ODP) since 2007.
The Akunda's are originally from Kenya and came here 14 years ago to attend graduate school. When they were in grad school Chris was born, and they have lived in Fishers for the last five years. Most of their family remains in Kenya.
FSC has coordinated several support activities to assist the Akunda family and those affected by the loss of Chris.
· FSC has partnered with grief counselors to assist in helping the young players in our club deal with the loss of a friend, fellow player, and school mate.
· At the request of the family, we have coordinated with Fifth Third Bank to establish two funds to support associated expenses.
· The Chris Akunda Donation Fund is available to assist the Akunda’s with immediate family expenses such as funeral expenses and expenses incurred to fly family members over from Kenya.
· The Chris Akunda Memorial Fund is established to support causes that were dear to Chris and his family, such as assisting FSC players and the ODP program to name a few.
Donations to either fund can be made at any Fifth Third banking office, or by US Mail at the following address. Please specify to which fund you wish your contribution to be deposited.
The Chris Akunda Fund
c/o Fifth Third Bank
11662 Commercial Blvd
Fishers, IN 46038
This coming Saturday, June 13th, FSC concessions will be operated by members of our U13 age group teams. All proceeds collected this weekend will be contributed to the Chris Akunda Fund.
Please check our web site (http://www.fisherssc.org) regularly for additional information, including memorial service plans, as it will be updated as the information becomes available and functions are scheduled.
Please keep the Akunda family in your thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
The FSC Board of Directors