HOUSTON – Chase Lightfoot enthusiastically filled his church with music as a singer and junior deacon.
His parents said he chose the South Union Missionary Baptist Church in south Houston and his family followed.
"Everything was fun. He was just a fun, energetic person,” said Voronica Lightfoot, his mother.
As his family should be preparing for their son’s next football game, his parents are instead planning for his funeral Saturday.
Chase Lightfoot got sick during the second half of his Shadow Creek High School football game in San Antonio Friday night.
"The sun was setting. A great game. Chase was playing the best game I have ever seen," Voronica said.
Chase Lightfoot died around 2:30 a.m. the next morning.
His parents said he had no known heart problems. His mother said he was destined to play. His dad brought a football to his son right after birth, in the hospital.
"He was a real good football player. It's every dad's dream that their son is a great football player," Gerald Lightfoot, Chase Lightfoot's father, said.
His brother, Jordan Lightfoot, will honor chase by wearing his jersey number, 65, when he hits the football field again.
"Let him know I'm playing this game and I'll continue to play this game of football for Chase," Jordan Lightfoot said.
His parents find comfort in the legacy of their loving, thoughtful and caring son.
"Chase was an angel. He was here to show us how to enjoy life. How to serve God and just be full of spirit and energy," Voronica Lightfoot said.