Teen remembered for victories on and off the football field

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - Loved ones of a high school football player who collapsed on the field and later died are trying to cope with such a tragic loss.

"I just miss him so much," says Vorronica Lightfoot, the mother of 17-year-old Chase Lightfoot. The Shadow Creek Ranch High School football player suddenly stopped breathing during a road game in San Antonio on Friday with his family there watching in the stands. 

"It was a beautiful day," explains Vorronica. "He was having one of the best games of his life." During halftime of that game, Chase gave his mother the thumbs up. A short time later, he collapsed and could not be revived. 

"I didn't know what to do," says Chase's 16-year-old brother Jordan. "I just sat there."

The family shared video with FOX 26 News of Chase putting on quite a performance in August in what turned out was the last time he sang with the men's choir at his church.

"He was singing like he was in heaven," says Pastor Michael V. Smith of South Union Missionary Baptist Church in southeast Houston, where the family attends weekly services.

Chase, a singer and high school football player, died in the hospital a few hours after he had collapsed. His parents are told his death is due to an abnormal coronary artery.

"I wish he was here," adds Jordan. "I wish he was here right now. I want to see him walk around the house."

"I miss the life he brought to the house every day,"   I miss him," says Chase's mom.

"He did so many things.  Everybody knows his name.  They were always telling me Chase did this, Chase did that.  He was so amazing.  He always helped so many people," explains Chase's brother.

The high school junior was said to be healthy and had never had heart problems before.

"Very involved in any outdoor activities hunting, fishing, swimming, dancing," says Vorronica.

Chase also enjoyed spending time at South Union Missionary Baptist Church.

"He was in several choirs -- the youth choir, men's choir, men's praise team, youth praise team," explains Vorronica "He ushered, worked with the children's church."

During the holidays, Chase fed the homeless and went caroling in the historic Third Ward of Houston, singing for senior citizens.

"If God were to give us a chance to pick the kind of kid, we would like, we would all ask Him to give us a kid like Chase, really," explains Pastor Smith. "That's the kind of kid he was. He was special. My daughter said he was like an angel."   

"He told us, 'This is where my wings were when I was in Heaven before I chose y'all as my parents,"   explains Chase's father Gerald.

At just 9 years old, Chase actually stood up during a visit to South Union Missionary Baptist and joined the church. 

"And he became a member," says Vorronica with a smile. "So we followed suit." 

"He loved God," adds Pastor Smith. So many people loved this amazing teen.

"Do we have any regrets letting Chase play football?," asks Gerald. "Chase has been playing football since he was 5 years old. That was a sport that he loved." 

"He's an angel," says Vorronica. "He could have been playing football or he could have been playing golf, if his time was served here, it's time for him to go."

A viewing for Chase is scheduled to take place at Fountain of Praise Church on Saturday at 9 a.m. with his funeral service following at 11 a.m.