17-year-old Massachusetts teen died doing what he loved as family and friends deal with his sudden loss

A Massachusetts teen died suddenly doing what he loved.

According to officials, 17-year-old Saugus/Peabody wrestler, Freddy Espinal, a junior at Peabody Veterans Memorial High School, passed away Sunday after suffering a medical emergency at wrestling practice.

According to a statement by his coach, Wayne Moda, the impact of Espinal’s passing will be felt across the community.

“I can tell you as his club and high school coach, Freddy was a larger-than-life personality on and off the mat. He was passionate about his family and wrestling which he worked incredibly hard at after falling in love with the sport his freshman year. Wrestling aside, I thoroughly enjoyed him as a person, he genuinely made me laugh with his antics and he was committed to his teammates and friends. To me, my wrestlers are an extension of my family. Not my children but close. We spent lots of time together wrestling but more importantly, navigating life. I loved him and will miss him dearly.”

Espinal was also being remembered for his heart and smile.

In addition to being a star on the Saugus/Peabody wrestling team, Espinal was part of the Red Roots Wrestling Club in North Reading and was a member of the Peabody Veterans Memorial High School football team.

Moda set up a GoFundMe fundraiser for Espinal’s family in order to help ease the financial burden of his passing.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be released.