A member of the athletics staff at East Bakersfield High School in Bakersfield, Calif., has died after collapsing on the sidelines at an Oct. 16 football game between East Bakersfield and Foothill High School.
According to 23 ABC Bakersfield, athletic trainer Robert Rocha suffered a fatal heart attack on the sidelines and was attended to by first responders before being transported to the hospital, where he later died.
Despite a few minutes remaining before halftime, the game was ended when Rocha collapsed. Student-athletes and coaches gathered on the field for a moment of prayer after Rocha was taken off the field. At that time, Foothill was leading 17-0 and was declared the winner.
“We're just praying for him and hoping everything is OK," East High football head coach Nick Romero said. “Bobby was an integral part of our Blade family as he was to so many others in our Bakersfield community over the years. He was a tremendous friend, coach and mentor to countless lives over the years. Our thoughts and prayers extend to his family, friends and the many lives he touched daily during this incredibly difficult time. We recognize the emotional impact this has on those he impacted in our campus community. We will be offering emotional support services in the days to come to better cope with this tragic loss. We love you Bobby. You will be severely missed."
Rocha was a Bakersfield native, having played football for Bakersfield College and later teaching in the high school and coaching as well.
Before its Saturday game, Bakersfield College honored Rocha with a moment of silence as well. After the Bakersfield College victory, head coach Tyler Thompson said, “Any win is magical to me, but I think it is a good omen for Bobby and his family and those guys," Thompson said. "He was well-known by a lot of our coaches. I didn't know him too well, but knew him through the Renegade family. We all know someone who played here and had a connection. If that brings happiness and peace to his family, then good."
