A Miami community is mourning the loss of 15-year-old athlete Lucas Osuna, who died unexpectedly at a water polo tournament on Friday, March 28.
Lucas’ cause of death is still unconfirmed, per The Miami Herald, though details are expected in the coming days. Lucas’ father, Mike Osuna, confirmed his son’s death on Facebook.
He wrote in a tribute, “It is with a heavy heart that we share the unfathomable loss of our beloved son, Lucas Michael Osuna aka Thor. In true superhero fashion, he embodied perseverance, determination and overcoming all the obstacles life threw his way.”
The grieving father added that the Osuna family’s loved ones were united in “prayer, compassion, faith and above all, love. ”
He shared a link to Meal Train, where people can make donations or sign up to deliver meals to the family during this time.
Lucas was a sophomore at Belen Jesuit Preparatory School and had been playing water polo with the Miami Whitecaps Water Polo Club since he was in sixth grade. The club said in a statement to Local 10 that referees and parents attempted lifesaving measures but were unsuccessful.
PEOPLE reached out to the club on Sunday, March 30, but did not receive an immediate response.
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The water polo club posted a tribute to Lucas on Instagram, sharing a picture of the teen in the pool, flexing his arms. “Lucas Osuna, you will forever be in our hearts. We are going to miss you. An amazing, smart, kind hearted and hilarious person. Prayers for you and your family. We will never forget you. Our team will not be the same without you. We love you,” the message read.
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez also posted a message to the Osuna family on Instagram, noting that he was a longtime friend of Lucas’ father. “My heart breaks for [Mike] and his family,” the mayor wrote. “To the entire Belen community, and especially Lucas’ family and friends, please know that Miami stands with you in this time of unimaginable loss.”
A prayer service was held at at Belen Jesuit on Saturday morning with reportedly “hundreds” in attendance, per NBC 6. The outlet spoke with students who knew Lucas, including Justin Otero, who said that they were in the same grade and that Lucas was “kindhearted.”
Justin added, “[He] was an actual genuine person. If you ever needed something, he was always there.”
Belen Jesuit Preparatory School did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment, but released a statement to the community on Friday, per The Miami Herald.
“During this moment of unimaginable grief, we ask the community for your prayers. We ask for privacy for his family during this time and most of all prayers for the repose of his soul and comfort to those he loved and loved him,” the school said.
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