CLENDENIN, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Herbert Hoover High School community is mourning the loss of student and football player Ayden Huffman, with an outpouring of condolences arriving from schools, athletic programs and communities across West Virginia.
In a tribute shared by Herbert Hoover Huskies Football, the team honored Huffman and encouraged others to support one another during the difficult time.
“Wishing peace to everyone navigating this immense loss. May we honor his memory by looking out for one another, showing kindness, and reminding those around us that we love them.”
The post continued, “Once a teammate, always family. Rest easy, young man. You will never be forgotten.”
Following news of Huffman’s passing, numerous high school football programs from around the state have shared messages of sympathy and support for Herbert Hoover, Huffman’s family, teammates, coaches and classmates.
Herbert Hoover High School posted to Facebook expressing sadness over the loss and stating that counselors will be at the school on Monday.
“Our Herbert Hoover High School family is deeply saddened by the loss of one of our students.
We know many students and families may need support during this difficult time. The school will be open on Monday for students who would like to meet with counselors, staff, or simply be together.
Additional information, including times, will be shared this weekend. Please know that we are here for our students and families.”
The Huffman family also released a public statement thanking the community for its support while asking for privacy as they grieve.
“Our family wants to sincerely thank everyone for the overwhelming love, prayers, and support you have shown during this incredibly difficult time. Your kindness means more to us than words can express.”
The family said they are requesting privacy as they make arrangements to honor their son.
“At this time, we are asking for privacy as we grieve together and make arrangements to honor our sweet son. We respectfully ask that you please do not call or stop by our home right now. We appreciate your understanding as we take this time to be together as a family.”
According to the statement, funeral services will be private for family members.
“The funeral service will be a private ceremony for family.”
After the service, the family plans to invite friends, teammates, coaches, teachers and members of the community to gather at Herbert Hoover’s football field for what they described as “One Last Friday Night Light” to celebrate Huffman’s life.
“After the service, we will be inviting friends, teammates, coaches, teachers, and our community to join us for ‘One Last Friday Night Light’ at the football field to celebrate his life, honor the young man he was, and stand together in love and support. We will share the date and time as soon as funeral arrangements have been finalized.”
The family also asked the public to focus on remembering Huffman’s life rather than the circumstances surrounding his death.
“We also ask for kindness and compassion in the way we speak about what has happened. Right now, our focus is not on the circumstances of his passing, but on remembering the incredible young man he was, the lives he touched, and the love that will always remain. Please keep your words filled with grace, love, and respect for him and for everyone who is grieving.”
The statement concluded with another expression of gratitude to those who have offered prayers and support.
“Thank you for continuing to lift our family in prayer and for giving us the privacy we need during this heartbreaking time.”
