Elmer Lopez

Elmer Lopez of Coral Springs died Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at Miami Children Hospital, Miami, Florida. Loving son of Yojany and Maria Lopez. Elmer loved baseball so much that he dedicated his short life to practicing and playing the sport in hopes of improving his game. Just the night before his sudden passing, the 14-year-old played with his team Margate Baseball and asked his coach if he could get extra practice in the following day.“It was shocking to me. The day before he was fine,” said his Coach Ruben Guante, “We played and lost by one run. After the game, he asked if he could practice with my travel team and I said yes. He was so determined to come the next day to practice with me.”

That next day, Elmer suffered from a sudden brain aneurysm and passed away a few days later at a Miami hospital on February 15. Elmer, who was a student at Coral Springs Middle School, enjoyed playing on the Margate Baseball team.

His coach described him as a typical 14-year-old who was full of energy, always in good spirits and goofing around. He also had a promising future in the sport.“He did well and was a hard hitting player. He was always on top of his game and very serious about his game,” said Guante, “As long as he had the chance and opportunity to play ball, he would play ball.”

“He was such a good kid and loved playing baseball. We’re just absolutely devastated. Our hearts go out to the family. We are one big family, and the whole community is just devastated,” said Robyn Elder, whose son played baseball with Elmer. “This has touched our hearts so deeply, as this could be any one of our children.”

"We are hoping that as a community we can come together and help this family in their time of need,” said Elder.

"Everyone is pulling together. Everyone has been affected by this. The whole community wants to help out,” added Guante.

To help Elmer’s family, a bank account has been set up in the name of Elmer Lopez. Donations can be made at any Wachovia Bank in his name; Account No. 1010307861821

Arrangements under the direction of Kraeer Mason funeral Home and Cremation Center 6701 West Commercial Blvd. Tamarac, Fl 33319