Former Sacramento State Football Star Ivan Garza Dead At 25
The Sacramento State community learned this week that former college football star Ivan Garza passed away. He was only 25 years old.
According to CBS News, the Delano Police Department responded to a call about a pedestrian being fatally struck by a vehicle on Wednesday morning. The belief is that a driver heading northbound hit Garza as he was crossing the street.
Garza graduated from Robert F. Kennedy High School before taking his talents to Sacramento State. He earned All-Big Sky honors for the Hornets in 2023, spending 10 games at left tackle and three games at right tackle.
The former Sacramento State star's aunt, Sonia Garza, described him as a "big guy with such a big heart."
"Nobody knows such a big guy with such a big heart," Garza told KBAK. "He was a great mentor to everybody. He was a big guy, so everybody automatically looked up to him. And then when they saw that he was good, they looked up to him even more."
Support pouring in for Garza's family.
A GoFundMe has been made to help the Garza family during this time. Over $27,000 has been donated as of this writing.
"No family is ever prepared for a loss like this, and in addition to the overwhelming grief they are carrying, they are now faced with unexpected funeral expenses and the financial challenges that come with such a devastating tragedy. We are asking for your support to help ease this burden so Sandra and her family can focus on honoring Ivan's life, celebrating his memory, and beginning the difficult journey of healing," the fundraiser's description reads. "Every donation, no matter the amount, will go directly toward funeral expenses and helping the family through this incredibly difficult time. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser and keeping Sandra and the Garza family in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and support. Your generosity means more than words can express and will help ensure that Ivan's memory lives on through the love and strength of the community that cared so deeply for him."
Our thoughts remain with Garza's friends and family members.
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This story was originally published July 11, 2026 at 6:40 AM.