On Saturday morning, the UA announced that track and field athlete Lezo Urreiztieta died from complications following brain surgery.
Urreiztieta was a junior hurdler and is from Tucson, having graduated from Canyon del Oro High School.
“We send our sincerest sympathies and deepest prayers to the family and friends of Lezo Urreiztieta,” Athletics Director Greg Byrne said in a press release. “The unfortunate passing of someone so young and full of life affects us all. He was an excellent student, in addition to being a valued member of our track team and the Arizona Athletics community.”
Urreiztieta twice earned all-conference academic honors.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lezo Urreiztieta,” head coach Fred Harvey said in a press release. “He was an important part of our Wildcat family and his passion for life and our sport will be truly missed. We extend our support and condolences to his family and friends for their loss. Lezo was proud to be a Wildcat.”
Urreiztieta wanted to be a doctor.
“Knowing that I’m working towards something I want to do with my life is really exciting, and I love it,” Urreiztieta said to the Daily Wildcat last January.
