Ivan Garza, Sacramento State Star, Dies in Delano Crash

Ivan Garza, a 25‑year‑old offensive lineman who honed his craft at Sacramento State, has lost his life in a tragic traffic incident in his hometown of Delano, California. The crash occurred shortly after 4 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, when a northbound vehicle struck him as he crossed the road. Authorities confirm the driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators, while the Delano Police Department continues its probe.

Garza’s relatives honored his memory with heartfelt words and a GoFundMe fundraiser that labeled him “a gentle giant with a kind heart, an infectious smile, and a genuine love for his family, friends, teammates, and everyone fortunate enough to know him.” His aunt, Sonia Garza, shared a poignant sentiment on a CBS‑affiliated outlet, recalling how “Nobody knows such a big guy with such a big heart… He was a great mentor to everybody.” The fundraiser also aims to ease the financial strain on his loved ones as they navigate this unexpected loss.

Garza joined the Sacramento State Hornets in 2021 after redshirting in 2019 and missing the 2020 season due to COVID‑19. He earned honorable‑mention All‑Big Sky recognition in 2023 after starting all 13 games for the team. Sacramento State Football posted an Instagram tribute calling him “a wonderful teammate, player, and Hornet,” and former coach Cherokee Valeria described him as “an amazing young man.”

Before college, Garza starred at Robert F. Kennedy High School in Delano, helping the Thunderbirds capture a Central Section Championship. The school’s Facebook page celebrated him as a “success story out of RFK and Delano,” while head coach Mario Millan noted that Garza earned “the first Division One scholarship out of Delano, I think, ever.” Millan later told 23ABC that Garza “put a shining light” on the community and was “blessed” to have him around.

Local leaders and former teammates have spoken of his constant smile and laughter, even when “school was hard, as a teenager social life was hard, football was hard, whatever it may be.” His story has sparked conversations about road safety for athletes and the importance of honoring young lives cut short. The outpouring of support continues through the GoFundMe page, which aims to assist his family during this difficult time.