The Hills Public School community and the Westside Smash family are mourning the heartbreaking loss of Derek Manning Jr., a beloved student, athlete, and friend. His sudden passing has left his family, friends, and teammates devastated, as they come to terms with the loss of a young life filled with promise, kindness, and joy.
A Cherished Member of the Westside Smash Family
Derek Jr. was more than just a student and athlete; he was a beacon of light for everyone who knew him. His passion for sports and his dedication to his team made him a valued member of Westside Smash, where he formed strong bonds with teammates and coaches. He played with heart, bringing both skill and sportsmanship to every game.
Westside Smash paid tribute to Derek Jr. in a heartfelt Facebook post, expressing the profound sorrow felt by the entire team and community:
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Derek Manning Jr., a beloved member of our Westside Smash family. Derek Jr. was more than just a teammate—he was a bright light who brought passion, kindness, and joy to those around him. His presence on and off the field will be deeply missed, and our hearts go out to his parents, Amie Laramy and Derek Manning Sr., as well as his family and friends during this unimaginable time.”
His loss is not just felt on the field but in the hallways of Hills Public School, where he was known for his infectious laughter, caring personality, and unwavering support for his peers.
A Community Comes Together
As the community grieves this tragic loss, family and friends have come together to support Derek Jr.’s parents, Amie Laramy and Derek Manning Sr., in any way possible. A GoFundMe campaign has been created to help alleviate the financial burden of funeral expenses.
The fundraiser was started by Sarah, a longtime best friend of Derek Jr.’s mother, Amie. She shared her deep sorrow in a touching message on the campaign page:
“We are heartbroken to share the passing of Derek Manning Jr., a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, teammate, and friend whose life was tragically cut short. Derek Jr. was a bright light in the lives of those who knew him, bringing love, laughter, and kindness to everyone around him. As his family navigates this unimaginable and very unexpected loss, we want to come together to support his parents, Amie Laramy and Derek Manning Sr., during this difficult time.”
“The financial burden of funeral expenses is an added hardship that no grieving parent should have to face alone. We are asking for donations to help cover the costs of honoring Derek Jr.’s life and giving him the memorial he deserves. Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference and help ease the stress on his family as they grieve.”
The community is encouraged to donate or share the fundraiser to help spread the word. If you would like to contribute, you can do so through the official GoFundMe page.
