It’s a tragedy that no parent should have to endure.
Julius Poppinga, the teenage son of former Green Bay Packers Super Bowl champion linebacker Brady Poppinga, died after a reported severe asthma attack at just 17 years of age. He was a junior lacrosse player at Westlake High School in Thousand Oaks, CA as well as a two-way football player.
“On behalf of the entire Westlake High School community, we send our deepest condolences to Julius’ family, friends, teammates, and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing and interacting with him,” Principal Jason Branham said in an email sent out to the school community, according to the Ventura County Star. “At Westlake and throughout CVUSD, one of our greatest strengths is our caring and close community, which makes it all the more important that we continue to support and be there for one another in this incomprehensible time of loss and sadness.”
His sister posted the following touching message to social media:
"Words can not even begin to describe the immense amount of love, kindness, compassion, humor, athleticism, knowledge, trustworthiness, consideration for others, sincerity, loyalty, and friendly characteristics Julius holds,” Jasmine wrote. “He is the best younger brother I could ever ask for. And the most amazing older brother to my younger sisters.
“Everyone who has a chance to interact with Julius and all of his accomplishments in this life have been blessed. Taking this tragic event and looking at it in a positive way has been hard, but instead of grieving I would rather celebrate his 17 wonderful and beautiful years on this earth and all the impacts he made in my life, my families, his peers, teammates, teachers, coaches, and anyone who has ever met him … I 💙 Julius.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this awful time.
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