Waterloo Warriors player Daniel Molla dead at 19

Photo courtesy: Waterloo Warriors

Waterloo Warriors offensive lineman Daniel Molla died suddenly on Monday, September 7, at the age of 19, the university has announced. No cause of death was provided.

“The sudden and unfortunate passing of Daniel Molla is heartbreaking for our players, coaches and support staff,” head coach Chris Bertoia wrote in a statement. “Daniel was an outstanding young man in the classroom, on the field and especially as a teammate to his football brothers. He will be greatly missed, never forgotten, and we will take joy in remembering his unique smile, subtle humour and the positive impact he had on our football program.”

The six-foot-two, 282-pound blocker was in his second year with the Warriors, but had yet to appear in a regular-season game. He was enrolled in the Faculty of Science, studying biochemistry.

The native of Kitchener-Waterloo, Ont., attended high school in his hometown at Laurel Heights Secondary School. He also played for the Guelph Jr. Gryphons and the Waterloo Jr. Warriors in the OSFL.

A GoFundMe has been launched to help support his parents, Hailu Molla and Etsegenet (Aster) Tilahun, with the funeral and other unexpected costs. The fundraiser can be accessed by clicking here.

The University of Waterloo is encouraging students, employees and others affected by this loss to seek support. Resources are available through Campus Wellness, Counselling Services, Employee and Family Assistance Programs, and community supports.

Molla is the second OUA football player to tragically pass away over the Labour Day weekend. On Tuesday, the Windsor Lancers announced the death of running back Nathan Guizzetti at the age of 19.