A Colorado high school football player has died ‘unexpectedly’ at the age of 16, plunging his school and local community into mourning.Noah Vesich, a freshman running back at Columbine High School in Littleton, passed away this week, with his football program breaking the devastating news online.’We are absolutely devastated to learn about the passing of one of our bright student athletes, Noah Vesich,’ the team posted on Facebook.’He was a shining light to all who knew him. We are praying for his family and friends during this difficult time. #21 #Rebelball26.’An official cause of death has not yet been determined.Vesich, who wore jersey No. 21 for the Rebels, was described by his grieving family as someone who ‘loved family, fishing and football, along with camping and exploring Colorado.’ Noah Vesich, a running back at Columbine High School in Littleton, passed away this week Following the tragedy, a GoFundMe page was launched to help support the familyFollowing the tragedy, a GoFundMe page was launched to help support the family as they navigate mounting medical and funeral expenses.’Noah’s family is going through an incredibly painful time and is now facing the cost of having to pay for the autopsy and funeral,’ the fundraising page states.’In the middle of grieving this loss, these expenses have become an added burden on the family. What should be a time to focus on mourning and remembering Ariana’s brother and so many people’s friend, Noah Vesich, has also become a time filled with difficult decisions and unexpected financial pressure.’The campaign added: ‘This fundraiser was created to help cover the immediate autopsy and funeral expenses for Noah Vesich and to ease some of the stress Noah’s family is carrying right now. Every donation will go toward those urgent costs and help Noah’s family as they try to honor Noah and lay him to rest.’The local community rallied swiftly around the family, with donations pouring in from coaches, rival football programs, and local residents to surpass $32,000 within days.Columbine students and fans paid tribute to the late running back during Friday night’s varsity road game against Chatfield High School, turning out in white clothing to honor his memory.The football team also added a special No. 21 decal to their graphics to celebrate their teammate.