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As club softball action winds down in Colorado and athletes and their families and coaches begin preparations for the next stage of summer, we want to remember and remind everyone of the loss of one our own… and especially make everyone aware of the GoFundMe campaign going on.
As we detailed on Independence Day (see below), Will Hamouz was in Colorado to support his daughter, Gabby, who was competing in the Fireworks/Sparkler tournament and on Monday, June 1, died in a rafting accident.
The outpouring of grief and support to the Hamouz family and the AZ Firecrackers organization has been appreciated by all and the GoFundMe campaign, which has set a goal of $40,000 to support the family and, as of this posting, has reached over $30,000.
Kris Hamouz, Will’s wife and Gabby’s mother, wrote on the campaign page Saturday:
I would personally like to thank each and every one of you. The generosity, kindness, love, and support are more than we could ever have imagined. Many donations have come through from people that do not even know me and/or our family. Rest assured, these funds will be used for expenses and for each person you see on the picture posted. As broken and empty as our hearts may be right now, we feel the love and grace from everyone. Grateful is not a big enough word. Love, Kris
Randy Kaye, the head of the AZ Firecrackers organization, texted the following to us today:
It has been a tough week for all of us here at Firecrackers-Arizona, you just never expect anything like this to happen and it has certainly puts things into perspective.
I want to thank everyone for reaching out and extending their support during this time. I know that Gabby and her family are driving home over the next few days so please keep them in your prayers.
Finally, Tony Rico–the head of the Firecrackers organization nationally–said today:
We at Firecracker Softball Inc not only want extend our sympathies to the Hamouz family, but we also want to thank all the Firecrackers and friends across the nation who have shown support and contributed to the family.
May we all continue to support the Hamouz family, financially if possible and if so inclined, but certainly in our thoughts and prayers too.
— Brentt Eads, Extra Inning Softball
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Colorado Tragedy: Will Hamouz, Father of AZ Firecrackers Infielder Gabby Hamouz, Died in Colorado Whitewater Rafting Accident
Originally published on July 4, 2019 on Extra Inning Softball
Tragedy struck the club softball world this week as Will Hamouz, father to Gabby Hamouz of the AZ Firecrackers, died Monday morning after a rafting accident occurred on the Colorado River while the family was competing in the Triple Crown Sports-produced Fireworks/Sparkler tournament.
The 50-year-old father was taking a guided rafting trip with “Down Stream Rafting Company,” according to a Denver Post article, when the raft flipped over and he fell out according to Rick Albers, the Clear Creek County sheriff. Rescuers, he said, unsuccessfully performed CPR on Hamouz, who is from Arizona.
Gabby is a 2020 infielder on the AZ Firecrackers 16U team coached by George Noto and was competing in the Colorado Fireworks/Sparkler tournament this week with her team when the accident happened.
The team is part of Randy Kaye’s successful Firecrackers program based in Glendale, Arizona.
As a junior at Cactus Shadows High in Cave Creek, Arizona she batted .324 and had a .465 on-base percentage playing in 22 games.
Triple Crown Sports issued a statement Wednesday promoting the GoFundMe page and making its own unique donation:
“We were extremely saddened to hear the tragic news of the death of an AZ Firecrackers – Noto father during a whitewater rafting accident this week in Colorado. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and team.”
“A friend of the family has started a GoFundMe page. Triple Crown Sports will be donating $20 for every run scored, double play turned, home run hit, four-hit game by a player and diving catch the AZ Firecrackers – Noto makes this week during the Colorado 4th of July tournament.”
If you would like to donate, please visit the link below:
On the family’s GoFundMe page it says:
On July 1, 2019 the world lost an amazing man. Will Hamouz passed away after a tragic river rafting accident in Colorado. Will’s family and friends are reaching out to the many who loved him in hopes of providing Kris and the kids with support during this challenging time. We thank you in advance for any support you can give. It is greatly appreciated.
So far, $15,000 of the desired $50,000 goal has been reached. According to comments from donors, funds have been provided by players, families and teams in the club world including So Cal Choppers-Ensey, Las Vegas Rage, Firecrackers – Sabo, NorCal Blast, Stealth Fastpitch, PA Extreme and many more.
And on Twitter, Alex Hamouz–Gabby’s brother–posted this touching tribute to their father:
https://twitter.com/Alex_Hamouz/status/1146092519932825605
To make donations to the Hamouz family, click HERE.