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By OMAR ZAPATA and DINA ARÉVALO | Staff Writers
McAllen Nikki Rowe football player Adan De La Cruz has died.
The district announced his death on Wednesday.
“We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of one of our students. Adan De La Cruz, a senior at Rowe High School, passed away today,” the statement read. “He was a wonderful young man, very well liked, and much admired by his peers.
“He will be missed but not forgotten.”
The district offered thoughts and prayers to the family during this difficult time.
“We have a team of counselors at the campus to help students and staff cope with this tragedy.”
McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez said authorities received notice from medical personnel about his death early Wednesday afternoon.
“So, we are really, really sorry to learn that this afternoon about this young person,” Rodriguez said. “This is occurring as we speak, so that’s all I can tell you is that at this point in time, that is the information we’re getting from medical personnel at this time.
“Very, very tragic. We’re so sorry, you know, clearly our condolences to the family and to the student body as well.”
De La Cruz was injured when he slipped off a roof while attempting to jump into a pool.
The incident happened on Saturday just before midnight.
On Wednesday afternoon, police announced the arrest of a teenager they accuse of collecting the “entrance fee” at the party that resulted in the hospitalization of a football player.
Heron Hernandez Jr., of McAllen, is charged with purchase or furnishing alcohol to a minor.
He was arrested Tuesday and remanded to the Hidalgo County Adult Detention Center on a $25,000 bond.
Police have also arrested Jaime De La Cerda Islas, 51, and his son, who is a juvenile, for the same allegations and charges.
De La Cerda hosted the party at his brother-in-law’s house and an entry fee was charged to attend.
They were charging $10 tickets before the party or a $15 fee at the entrance, according to a police report.
Investigators have a Snapchat video that depicts the incident.
Rodriguez said the investigation into De La Cruz’s death is ongoing.
“The outcome of that will determine what, if any more, charges and whom may be facing other charges. That call is yet to be determined,” Rodriguez said. “Clearly now that we have a death involved, that is clearly (a) serious injury so that, too, may be a factor that will determine charges as the investigation progresses.”
The chief said this incident shines light on the extent of risk involved when people consume alcohol and when people make alcohol available to people who should not have access to it.
“Those are the things that we want to hold people accountable for,” Rodriguez said. “If accountability can be established, then that’s what we are hoping the investigation will lead us to conclude.
“It’s just a really tragic set of circumstances and a really tragic outcome. A really sad day, I think, for the McAllen community and we’re sad to learn of this outcome today.”
Meanwhile, district spokesman Mark May said Nikki Rowe High canceled a football scrimmage scheduled for Thursday evening and its annual Meet the Warrior Night, which had been set for Friday.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with new information.
