Horror as California high school football staffer collapses and dies on sideline during varsity game

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A California high school community is mourning the loss of East High School’s athletic equipment manager Robert Rocha, who died Friday night following a medical emergency on the sideline during a varsity football game.

Robert “Bobby” Rocha suffered a fatal heart attack during the Oct. 16 football game between East Bakersfield and Foothill High School. The game between the Trojans and the Blades was cut short following Rocha’s departure by ambulance, ABC News reported.

East High School called Rocha “a remarkable kicking coach, mentor, and [who had] lasting influence on so many lives.” Foothill’s Trojans posted a tribute for Rocha on social media, saying, “Our Trojan football family is heartbroken by the loss of East High’s athletic trainer, Bobby Rocha, following last night’s game.”

East High’s head football coach Nick Romero said that Rocha was an integral part of the Blade family.

“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,” Romero told Bakersfield.com.

Dejon Jernagin, former professional basketball player and motivational speaker, said that Rocha was one of his very few friends that he absolutely adored.

“I truly appreciated this guy from our football arguments to our Burrito Battles about who had the best Victors on the Eastside or F Street. But our biggest bond will be our love for USC Football and our inside joke about Izzy,” Jernagin posted on Facebook. 

Taylor Latellee Weldin, Equipment manager at Bakersfield’s North High School, said that he went to Centennial football games with Rocha when he was in 8th grade.

“When I accepted the Equipment Manager position at North High, Bobby was the first person I called for help. He helped me learn so much about that position,” Weldin said in a tribute post, adding that “walking into Chili’s will not be the same knowing you will not be at the bar top.”

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