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A 10-year-old Indiana boy died Tuesday in his mother’s arms while being transported by ambulance to Memorial Hospital in Jasper.
Treven Ball, of French Lick, Indiana, loved football and played on the Springs Valley Schools youth team in his hometown. The 10-year-old reportedly wanted to practice more to become the best player he could. He recorded a memorable moment the week before he died when his team played a game under the lights for the first time. His first game was, unfortunately, also his last.
“It was just four days ago he was running up and down the bleachers,” said family friend Jessica Alexander. “It doesn’t feel like it’s ever going to be the same without him on this field.”
The fifth grader also enjoyed baseball, playing as a pitcher and third baseman for the Springs Valley All Stars.
Basketball, hunting, fishing and riding his dirt bike rounded out the young man’s passions during his brief life.
“He was and always will be his brother and sister’s biggest protector,” his family declared in the child’s obituary. “Treven loved to give hugs and had never met a stranger. He was happiest helping others and supporting his friends and teammates.”
His funeral ceremony was conducted by Pastor Caleb Moffatt, Pastor Tom Hahn and Michael Allstott Saturday at the Springs Valley High School auditorium. He was buried afterwards in Mount Lebanon Cemetery.
Community members, including the boy’s teammates, friends and teachers, conducted a Wednesday evening vigil along the field where he played his only game, in commemoration and remembrance.
The dead child’s aunt, Megan Murphy, said the massive turnout for the vigil was bittersweet for family members who found it difficult to return to one of the most special places in the boy’s life.
“We loved Treven’s attitude,” commented his youth football team in a Facebook statement. “He was always there to encourage someone else or give them a fist bump!”
No cause of death has been publicly provided.
