He told people about his faith, allowed people to confide in him and provided happiness for others. Cavness, expressed the same feeling in his eulogy. In a game against Hamilton, the Huskies retired Hoffpauir's number 31 jersey in an emotional ceremony. The medical examiners report cited fentanyl toxicity as Hoffpauirs cause of death, according to the KPNX report, noting that it was ruled an accident. UCLA stuns Stanford women in Pac-12 tournament semifinals Of course, he didnt have everything together. Soon after, the Hoffpauirs sent Zachs brain to Boston University for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy research where it was determined he had already progressed to stage two CTE. It was compassion, Zach said. Yesterday Heaven gained an angel, and I lost one of my best friends in the world. (Courtesy of the Hoffpauir family), Zach Hoffpauir, right, takes a photo with his family, including his step brothers and step mother. To mourn his loss, Huffy leaves behind his loving wife, Janice Smith Hoffpauir; his daughters, Janna Perret (Steve), Jodi Hoffpauir (John Rahaim), and Jeana Anderson (Chris); his grandchildren, Sara, Garrett . More:Zach Hoffpauir remembered for compassion, friendship during powerful celebration of life, "Zach Hoffpauir touched the lives of each person he met," says Claudia Faust, executive producer of the documentary. He detailed how in spring 2019 he attempted to take his life by overdosing on Xanax and Benadryl. Doug Hoffpauir said Dubose called him and said Zach was an angel and he saved (his) life.. (Courtesy of Morgan Williams), Zach Hoffpauir smiles while on the football field at Stanford. District co-Most Valuable Players: Holden Butler, senior, Nederland and Angel Valencia, sophomore, Port Neches . Just imagine what Zachs parents are going through, said Dr. Ann McKee, Director of the VA-BU-CLF Brain Bank, in a 2021 documentary from Sports360AZ about Zachs life. Hoffpauir was a standout safety who made All-Pac-12 honorable mention in 2014. The news hit Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey and his family hard. They went above and beyond, even when he had concussions. In the documentary, Hoffpauirs mother described a world in which her son lived into middle age. He texted previous coaches, like Shaw, for advice on how to be a good football coach and honorable leader. Zach Hoffpauir Age. We are more similar than we are different, said Zach. Reverend Zach Sasser, Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Lafayette, will officiate. Hoffpauir played safety and McCaffrey was a running back. C hristian McCaffrey posted a photo of Hoffpauir on his Instagram account Friday which began, Yesterday Heaven gained an angel, and I lost one of my best friends in the world. He called Hoffpauir a true friend and great brother to anyone he knew. His death sent shockwaves into the Peoria, Stanford, and broader football community. /* Add your own MailChimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block. A mass of Christi I didnt coach him as a freshman, but I most certainly knew about him, cause he was the talk (of the town), Centennial football coach Richard Taylor said. To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.comor 602-316-8827. Zachs heart was with ASU, Shannon said in the documentary, But pressure from his family, his friends, and himself, influenced Zach into choosing Stanford. He goes I would love to go fishing with you and papa but I have too many video things going on today with school. So the last thing we talked about I just said, Zach I love you, and he goes Yeah, I love you, too.. And we connect in weaknesses.. The speakers who eulogized Zach had all coached him, played football or baseball with him, or grown up with him. Zach treated his cousins like siblings and friends like family. Doug Hoffpauir said in the days after his sons death that he was certain Zach did not die by suicide. For most his life, Zach Hoffpauir was guided forward by sports. Sympathy Ideas. To the casual onlooker, it would have seemed Zach had life all figured out. Prior to high school, Zach played one year of eight-on-eight tackle football. His playing style for Stanford football was no exception. Zachs father, Doug, remembers waking up and knowing something was wrong. But by the time he was 26, after several concussions at Stanford, his frontal lobe was full of the lesions that are the hallmark of CTE. Zach Hoffpauir, Shannon's son, lived life to the fullest in his 26 years, seemingly never taking a day off from injecting joy or perspective into someone else's life. Learn more about what we do and how to find our content on our broadcast, digital and social media platforms. He had to medically retire due to concussions prior to Stanfords bowl game in 2016. The school provided no further details. It was the first time in a long time that he felt purpose. On a podcast hosted by former Arizona State football player Jordan Simone, Zach Hoffpaiur said he had suffered five or six concussions in his football career and had attempted suicide last year. Zach Hoffpauir was 26 years old. The doctors said he was just vulnerable, Doug Hoffpauir said. Fiorentina captain Davide Astori, a defender who has also been capped by Italy 14 times, has died, the club EDMONTON A Edmonton homeless man whose spontaneous piano performance was viewed on theinternetby millions ofpeople has died. . My AP WBB ballot: Stanford-UCLA starts Cardinals huge week He said his memory wasnt what it used to be, Doug Hoffpauir recalled. Normally, Doug says Zach would be able to rebound quickly from things. 31 jersey retired this month. He had 11 rushing touchdowns and 59 tackles, eight for losses, and six interceptions, making The Arizona Republic's All-Arizona team. CLF is a Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit Organization, In a September 2019 interview on Untold,, in a 2021 documentary from Sports360AZ about Zachs life. McCaffery, a running back drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2017, was told about Zachs condition and acted without hesitation. Christian McCaffrey, a running back for the Carolina Panthers, paid tribute . Shook up about this, Ertz tweeted. This narrowed his choice to two colleges: Arizona State and Stanford. College Sports | Zach did not die by suicide, Doug Hoffpauir said. Come (his) 40s, he probably would have had either Alzheimers, Lou Gerhigs disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) or Parkinsons, Shannon said, tears in her eyes. Months later, Brain Bank researchers informed the Hoffpauirs that Zach had Stage 2 (of 4) CTE. Family and friends are welcome to send flowers or leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family. I was able to see, even in his brokenness, he was such an influence on people, Shannon Hoffpauir said. Northern Colorado assistant coach Zach Hoffpauir has died, the program has announced. Zach struggled with severe depression and anxiety and was eventually diagnosed with Lyme disease. People always tell me I was his biggest cheerleader, but he was really mine, Hillary Hoffpauir said. Zach Hoffpauir did not wake up the next morning. McCaffrey shared similar sentiments, noting Zachs unique passion for leading the players and honesty about his own experiences. You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. People sometimes assume they are violent, superficial and emotionally immature. His new role at Northern Colorado included recruiting Arizona. It was May 14, 2020. This eventually led him to getting a coaching job with the University of Northern Colorado, coaching the safeties. You knew when (Zach) was coming down the hallway. PEORIA It was a moment of celebration but also melancholy as Doug and Shannon Hoffpauir led a crowd to the middle of the Centennial High School football field. He enjoyed making new friends and always made a point to keep in contact with them through the years. Sign up for free today. McCaffrey's father, former Denver Broncos wide receiver and current first-year Northern Colorado head coach Ed McCaffrey, also was shaken by Hoffpauir's death. Hed have been out there, messing with everyone, Doug said. Zach Hoffpauir, a two-sport standout at Stanford who earned All-Pac 12 honours as a safety in football and played two seasons in the Arizona Diamondbacks minor league system, has died at age 26. This fentanyl crap is everywhere, Doug Hoffpauir said. At Centennial, Zach was a multi-sport athlete. After he medically retired from football and left Stanford, Hoffpauir suffered from Valley fever, Meningitis and a form of Lyme disease. I felt helpless because I wanted to fix things for Zach, but I did not know what was really wrong.. (Courtesy of the Hoffpauir family), Zach Hoffpauir, center, smiles for a photo with his mother, Shannon, right, and sister Hillary. He survived a suicide attempt in 2019. Zach was the hardest hitter, most aggressive player I ever played against, said McCaffery at the memorial. When Zach took that step up from high school athletics to college athletics, Zach began to feel as if he was losing his passion for the game, his father said. After the attempt, he began finding healing through a combination of medication, therapy, and self-reflection. Theres no way to specify when the disease started. Phoenix NBC affiliate KPNX broke the news Thursday. Advertisement. Ill never be the same, his mother, Shannon Hoffpauir, said. In high school, in addition to starring in two sportsand, of course, playing both offense (wide receiver, quarterback, running back) and defensehe became known as a charismatic leader. Following tragedies, Central High School finds comfort in its football community. Zach knew something was wrong. Former Centennial, Stanford multi-sport athlete Zach Hoffpauir dies at 26, Zach Hoffpauir remembered for compassion, friendship during powerful celebration of life, Family donates former Centennial, Stanford athlete Zach Hoffpauir's brain for CTE research, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Zach Hoffpauir, a two-sport standout at Stanford who earned All-Pac 12 honours as a safety in football and played two seasons in the Arizona Diamondbacks minor league system, has died at age 26. After games, I was like, I dont feel happy, I feel relieved, but then Im thinking about the next one, and Im all stressed out again, Zach said on the podcast Untold with Jordan Simone in September of 2019. XFL Week 3 preview: Can AJ McCarron, Battlehawks continue their fourth-quarter heroics? Doug could tell he was cognizant of and upset by his mood changes. Although we cannot yet accurately diagnose CTE in living people, a specialist can help treat the symptoms presenting the most challenges. Find Fishing Supplies listings in San Francisco, CALIFORNIA. His heart ached to care for them. New UNC head football coach Ed McCaffrey hired Zach in February to coach safeties. Once college was over, Zach struggled with the lack of a next.. Copyright the Concussion Legacy Foundation. Brink, Jump lead No. Zach also set an important precedent by talking about his own struggles with mental health and encouraging others to seek help in their darkest hours. More Videos Zach Hoffpauir was a multi-sport athlete at Centennial High School in Peoria, Arizona before becoming an all-conference defensive back and outfielder for Stanford University. A year ago, the college sports world was stunned after former Stanford defensive back Zach Hoffpauir died suddenly at the young age of 26. christianmccaffrey. The mini explosions were always followed by apologies. But on May 15, 2020, Hoffpauir died of an accidental overdose at age 26. Reporter Jon Wilner contributed to this story. Feb 22, 2023. His death revealed the extent of his care toward others. He was born on September 21, 1993, in Glendale, Arizona, United States. He made his return to baseball in 2018, once more splitting time between Montana and Oregon. He began working locally, working with high school football teams in the Peoria and Phoenix area, including his old stomping ground, Centennial. Inside I was so miserable. To what degree was CTE involved in Zachs deteriorating emotional and psychological state? Hoffpauir was a safety for four seasons on the Cardinal football team, winning three Pac-12 titles and two Rose Bowls. January 28, 2016: OF Zach Hoffpauir retired. Find out how. Last Thursday morning, Zach Hoffpauir passed away at the age of 26. Glendale native Zach Hoffpauir, who played baseball and football at Stanford University after a brilliant athletic career at Centennial High School, died in his sleep May 15. That doesnt tell the story,, Friends remembered Hoffpauir for his energy and personality. Zach Ryan SimonGUEYDAN - It's with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Zach Ryan Simon announces his passing from this life on November 17, 2012. You have permission to edit this article. At his memorial, Zachs pastor said, Everything Zach did was loud and it was passionate.. Hoffpauir was known as a hard hitter and suffered at least five documented concussions before medically retiring from football in 2016. After graduating from Stanford, Hoffpauirs physical and mental health declined. Drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks with the 646th pick of the 22nd round, Zach split time between Missoula, Montana, and Hillsboro, Oregon. Zach acknowledged that he felt the weight of those who were rooting for him, those that dreamed so highly for him, and could not bear the thought of letting them down. Hug your loved ones extra today. He played primarily on special teams in football and struggled mightily in baseball. Zach Hoffpauir. Zach had previously detailed some of his experiences with depression, which can be a symptom of chronic traumatic encephalopathy the degenerative brain disease linked to head trauma in football and other sports. Hoffpauir suffered after his years of playing football. Christian McCaffrey was his best friend. We talked about the little things in life and how to never take for granted a loved one. But Hoffpauirs brain was not like that of a normal 20-something. Zach Hoffpauir was raw, passionate, outspoken, competitive. At the Centennial event, Doug refused to let the pain of his familys loss and the communitys loss bring down this night of celebration. Talented young athletes often dominate several sports in elementary school and even high school. It made so much sense. May 15, 2020. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy is a degenerative brain disease found posthumously in the brains of football players. But now it makes so much sense. His brain was later studied at the VA-BU-CLF Brain Bank, where researchers diagnosed him with Stage 2 (of 4) CTE. His athletic talent and intense loyalty were both on display in a chippy series against rival Cal in April 2015. Survivors include her loving husband of 58 years, Ivy Lee Hoffpauir, 3 children, Dwayne Hoffpauir and wife Valerie, Kevin Hoffpauir and wife . He was 26. , A post shared by Christian McCaffrey (@christianmccaffrey) on May 15, 2020 at 8:07am PDT. This news organization has independently requested a copy of the report from the Maricopa County Medical Examiners Office. That one percocet, meant to be his release, turned out to be his end. Doug Hoffpauir wants the world to know that even now, 15 months later, with the CTE diagnosis confirmed, he isnt mad. I hate that its because of this, but maybe some positive can come of it. College Sports | It changed his life, Doug Hoffpauir said. ", More:Family donates former Centennial, Stanford athlete Zach Hoffpauir's brain for CTE research. College Sports | The diagnosis helps explain why Zachs mood and behavior changed so much once he left college. Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today. "He loved his head coach, Ed McCaffrey. 3 Cardinal past No. Submit your request today and a dedicated member of the Concussion Legacy Foundation team will be happy to assist you. Medical examiners will perform an autopsy on his body, and the family donated his brain to Boston University for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) research. Hired in February to coach safeties on Ed McCaffrey's new staff, Hoffpauir coached in the Arizona high school ranks previously. Hoffpauir is hoping to regain his starting position at . Zach Hoffpauir, 26, died in his sleep, according to a release from the athletic department. All rights reserved. No matter where they came from, no matter their circumstances.. The loss of identity was hard enough, but Zach also endured his parents divorce, his grandmothers lung cancer diagnosis, and a breakup in short succession after he left Stanford. When the stories came out in mid-May of last year, the glaring headlines -- another athlete who died of a drug overdose -- Shannon Hoffpauir knew there was more to the story. My testosterone levels were almost gone. Support the Hotline: Receive three months of unlimited access for just 99 cents. "People always thought I was the happiest guy, Hoffpauir said on Untold. He never played Pop Warner. Rare two-sport star Zach Hoffpauir dies at 26. Somethings wrong with me and I dont know what it is, Zach said of his thoughts at the time. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. 2B Jarrett Hoffpauir and P . He also shared how he increased his emotional literacy and was able to name the emotions he was feeling rather than bury them. Tell their story, and publish it online for free. He was in the middle of everything, from his dance moves to his football hits, to his baseball home runs, to his transparency and resiliency and leading the room. Zach also started coaching back at Centennial High. You can see the history of people like Zach, going slowly downhill. College Sports | If that day marks the official start to an athlete's season then Zach Hoffpauir has been in season for 296 days. Its startling to see. He had so much to look forward to.". 17 UCLA He was 26 years old. Zach Hoffpauir, a former Peoria Centennial and Stanford football safety, died last Thursday at the age of 26. Then, COVID came. Dolores was born December 26, 1932 in Shreveport and grew up in Leesville. But this time, Zach entered a deep funk. That research will be valuable to future generations. And so, that was kinda hard, because these are the things that Zach loved, this is where he wanted to be.. At Stanford, his three-year totals were 11 homers, 58 RBIs and a career .295 batting average. She was born October 30, 1944, in Houston to Virble and Hilda Nerren. *** Pac-12 Hotline is not endorsed or sponsored by the Pac-12 Conference, and the views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Conference. Doug Hoffpauir said the opportunity provided a new spark in Zachs life and thanked McCaffrey for taking a chance on his son. Arizona Cardinals facilities grade poorly in anonymous NFLPA poll, Coin collectors unite: National Money Show in Phoenix features rare currency, Desert Botanical Garden nurtures endangered monarchs and native butterflies at Majestic Mariposas exhibit, Arizona Diamondbacks slugger Kyle Lewis looks to swat injury bug and return to form with new club, Bobby Miller, Gavin Stone usher in new era of Los Angeles Dodgers pitching, Tiger Woods newest business venture opens its doors in Glendale, Hobbs says state will not proceed for now with court-ordered execution, Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. 128 to our projected No. Hoffpauir's father, though, stressed to Jon Wilner of the San Jose Mercury News that his son did not commit suicide. Local Sports Things To Do Business eNewspaper Politics USA TODAY Obituaries . Zachs physical and mental health were failing him. But as much of a light as he was for others, Zach Hoffpauir struggled to find his way out of his own darkness. The documentary that dives into the life of the former Peoria Centennial High School and Stanford football and baseball standout will air 12 times on Bally Sports Arizona, starting Tuesday. I would hope that seeing (Zachs) number, sharing those stories, keeping a record here on campus allows us the opportunity to not forget, said Adam Larsen, the athletic director at Centennial. Sharon "Teda" Hoffpauir A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 25, 2022, 11 a.m., at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church for Sharon "Teda" Hoffpauir, 66, who died Thursday, June 23, 2022 in Crowley, La, surrounded by her loving family. The results provided closure, said Doug. Former Stanford football player Zach Hoffpauir was posthumously diagnosed with CTE at the age of 26, a physician who researches the disease said on Tuesday . Hoffpauir was 26 at the time of his passing this past spring, just a few . The father of Zach Hoffpauir, the former Stanford football player who died last week at the age of 26, said the family has donated Hoffpauir's brain to concussion research. Three Zach Hoffpauir accomplished a great deal, but what he did was not who he was. Joyec Ann Hoffpauir Obituary. Zach, 26, died in his sleep May 15 at his father's home in Arizona. Former Stanford, Cal MBB coach Mike Montgomery says schools are not keeping up with college changes May 21, 2020. Its so sad.. He began writing whenever he felt anxious, listing whatever he felt grateful for in that moment to ground him. Doug Hoffpauir is sharing his sons story to shine a light on the effects of CTE and to encourage those struggling to seek help. It was a moment of celebration but also melancholy as Doug and Shannon Hoffpauir led a crowd to the middle of the Centennial High School football field. Everything he wanted to accomplish, he did.. They played football together at Stanford. ", Yesterday Heaven gained an angel, and I lost one of my best friends in the world. Doug Hoffpauir, Zach's father, told Richard Obert of the Arizona Republic in a text message about . To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.comor 602-316-8827. I cant take this anymore. 1 team. He hit .258 with three home runs and seven RBIs in 62 at-batsbetween rookie and Single-A ball. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. He was a young, intelligent coach with limitless potential. All rights reserved. (He) loved his family so much and would do anything for the people he cared about. He hit .455 his senior year in high school in 2012 with five home runs and 22 RBIs. He . Clear to partly cloudy. Interment will . 2023 www.azcentral.com. Cognitive deterioration is the hallmark of CTE, and you rarely see it in 20- and 30-year-olds.. 418 likes. 1) Cognitive impairment, such as memory loss and difficulty with problem solving. Zach was known for encouraging friends to keep pursuing their faith and shooting the breeze with family friends. He was the player who both took coaching and pushed his coaches to get better. Our prayers are with the Hoffpauir family, though Zach, you are always with us.. With the right diagnosis and the right medication, Zach was on his comeback trail. David Fernandez, Centennial High Schools school resource officer from the Peoria Police Department, tweeted a fond memory: A few years ago, Zach Hoffpauir was back at Centennial mentoringI was standing nearby watching when a young student walked up and said, Hey, whos that?, I replied, Thats who you want to grow up to be.. At his first soccer game, Zach played like a man among kids, said Doug Hoffpauir. At times, you just didnt know what you could do to help him. Hoffpauirs freshman slump was a blip in an otherwise decorated career in Palo Alto. The University of Northern Colorado football team honored its former assistant coach Zach Hoffpauir, who died unexpectedly in May 2020. Photos courtesy Stanford University. "He had quite a number of what we call lesions in the brain," McKee says in the documentary. He recently hired Hoffpauir as a defensive backs coach. Just wanted to remind all the FCA campers since I couldn't come defend my title .