By Sophia Harris Editor-in-Chief Framingham State student and soccer prodigy Jason Facey, Jr. died suddenly last month from a previously unknown medical condition. Eighteen-year-old Facey died on August 19 after his first soccer practice at FSU from hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). HOCM is a significant cause of sudden cardiac death in young people, including well-trained athletes. It can be difficult to diagnose and unfortunately, HOCM is often not diagnosed until a significant cardiac event has occurred. The condition often results in obstruction of blood flow in the heart, the family’s GoFundMe states. Framingham State Men’s Soccer Coach Adam Gabbard said he has known Facey since he was around eight or nine years old through coaching soccer. He said Facey started playing for the club he was a coach for as well as the New England Revolution Academy. “He was constantly in and out of programs that I worked for, and I always stayed in contact with him throughout his high school career, just kind of knowing at some point when I got an opportunity to be a head coach, he was definitely one of the guys on my radar,” Gabbard said. “Not even just for his playing ability, but the type of locker room guy he is.” Gabbard said ever since he met Facey through coaching, he was looking forward to the day when he could watch him play in college. “He truly represented the perfect type of student athlete that any school would want. A great, great, great guy. Always in a great mood. Always willing to help everybody,” Gabbard said. “It's definitely a big loss, not only to our program, but to his family. He was certainly somebody who would literally touch everybody, as he has.” Gabbard said Facey had “every good quality” a person could have. He said Facey’s death was a big shock to the FSU community and men's soccer team. He said the men's soccer players have been leaning on each other for support and offering to support Facey’s family as well. “After a huge tragedy that nobody anticipated, it's been, obviously, tough, but the support of the community and everybody in the area has been really helpful,” Gabbard said. Gabbard said the entire men's soccer team attended the services for Facey. At every game since his death, the opposing team has offered a moment of silence for Facey and the grieving players. He said the coaching staff and the team have appreciated the kindness from other universities and athletes. “The support has been great from the entire soccer community.” Facey’s parents and sister attended the first FSU home soccer game of the season. “At least for me, knowing him for so long and as the head coach, I still think about it every single day. That really hasn't changed and I don't know when that will change,” Gabbard said. Facey’s family has organized a GoFundMe to raise money for HOCM awareness. The GoFundMe page states, “JJ was beloved by all who knew him. He was kind, athletic, courageous, inspiring, gentle, smart, loyal, loving, handsome, bright, STRONG, competitive, humble, dedicated, honest, gracious, family-oriented, outgoing, brave, polite, calm, patient, vibrant, charming, funny, happy, stress-free, impactful and always lived life to the fullest. His smile would light up a room. Why so many words? Because he was so many of these to so many people. An amazing young man who exemplified all of these things we have described above.” The page states, “His condition was treatable but not known due to the lack of required heart checks in any youth, athlete or not. We will fight to ensure that not another boy, girl, man, or woman falls victim to this treatable heart condition.” It reads, “There are so many individuals like JJ unaware of this heart issue. Our goal is to ensure all children, not just athletic children - have access to preventative treatments such as EKG (electrocardiogram) and an ultrasound of the heart to discover any deformities or maladies in the heart.” If you are interested in donating to the cause visit, https://gofund.me/ce247735.
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