Adriel Enriquez’s death has been described as “every parent’s worst nightmare” as the tragedy has left his family, who are from San Bernardino, California, heartbroken

Adriel Enriquez

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Adriel Enriquez is remembered as ‘the sweetest, most gentle and shy soul’(Image: GoFundMe)

A 12-year-old boy has died after collapsing at football training.

Adriel Enriquez went into cardiac arrest and, though paramedics rushed to the scene, the youngster was later pronounced dead. The tragedy has been described as “every parent’s worst nightmare” as Adriel’s family are said to be bereft.

The boy’s uncle, Joshua Gutierrez, wrote on a GoFundMe page: “There are no words that make sense when a child is taken too soon. What started as a normal afternoon doing what he loved turned into every parent’s worst nightmare.

“Adriel loved soccer. It wasn’t just something he played, it was something he truly loved. He showed up with heart, with passion, and with a smile.”

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A shrine is dedicated to the youngster from California

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A shrine is dedicated to the youngster from California(Image: GoFundMe)

describing him as “the sweetest, most gentle and shy soul”.

Mr Gutierrez has started the GoFundMe page to help the child’s parents, Ricky and Brenda, and their two younger sons. The majority of the money will go towards the funeral, Mr Gutierrez added.

“Adriel loved soccer. It wasn’t just something he played, it was something he truly loved. He showed up with heart, with passion, and with a smile,” the GoFundMe description continued. More than $66,000 (£49,000) has so far been raised on the page, but any further donations will be accepted using this link.

Platinum IE, which will hold a vigil in Adriel’s honour today, wrote on Instagram: “We lost one of our Platinum IE family members suddenly and unexpectedly after practice doing what he loved most: being on the field with his team.”

Platinum IE shared that the organisation is “heartbroken,” and asked for support “to honour and celebrate his beautiful life.” The club added: “He was the sweetest, most gentle and shy soul, with a quiet strength that touched everyone around him… Forever our #23.”

It follows similar cases in the UK, including that of 13-year-old Kellum Thomas who died after playing football in Nottingham. He collapsed when he got home, and died of a cardiac arrest in hospital. His mum, Jodie Wilson, “heard a bang” in the house and immediately started CPR and called for an ambulance when she saw her son lifeless.