California Soccer Player Dies After Players, Spectators Brawl On Field

OXNARD, CA — A California man has died about two weeks after he was seriously wounded in a brawl during a soccer game at Oxnard High School.

Misael Sanchez, 29, of Port Hueneme, was critically wounded during an on-field melee between two adult soccer teams at the high school on the morning of Sunday, July 10, police said. The fracas involved players from both teams and spectators, and stemmed from a dispute over a referee’s decision.

Sanchez was attacked by multiple people and was found unresponsive and not breathing, police said at the time. An ambulance took him to the Ventura County Medical Center. He died early Monday, 15 days later. An autopsy was scheduled for Tuesday to determine his cause of death.

At the time of the fight, witnesses helped police identify a suspect, police said. One man was arrested. However, police later said more information and evidence were needed to determine how the attack happened and identify who was involved. Detectives asked for the public’s help, believing people in the stands and players saw the fight.

Investigators on Monday again asked for witnesses or anyone with video of the brawl to come forward.

Sanchez's parents launched a GoFundMe account Monday to raise money for his funeral and memorial. As of Tuesday morning, the account raised more than $16,000 out of a $20,000 goal.

"It is with a heavy heart to share the passing of our beloved son, Misael Sanchez," organizer Guadalupe Sanchez wrote. "My family is heartbroken and still in disbelief, as we expected a bright future for him."

He added the family was "not ready for this type of goodbye."

Sanchez's friends and family took to social media and the comment section o of the fundraiser to express their condolences.

One person who donated to the fundraiser remembered "Misa" for his energy and light, which he said "will forever shine through us all."

"You brought so many people to smile and that is worth everything in this world. Your energy cannot be destroyed and will go on forever," he wrote. "Long Live Misa!"

Others also remembered Sanchez as a nice man who always said hi in passing and had a positive attitude.

"Met through salsa Libre and even helped him learn a little bit of guitar," another donator wrote. "He was smart and kind and pursued what he liked."

Another thanked him for "always being a positive light," and fondly remembered Sanchez sharing his apple slices.

"An insignificant moment in time maybe to you, but not for me. I’ll always remember that. Until next time brother," the donator said.

"The fact that we grew up together hits home that much harder," one man wrote in a comment posted on the police department's Facebook post announcing the news. "I'm sorry that your life was cut so short. I hope whoever is responsible for this gets what they deserve. My condolences for the entire family. Another great life lost due to the horrible people in this world."

Another commenter wrote: "I'm so sorry this happened to you Misa. it's not fair how you went out at all. I have faith in the Oxnard Police Department and they will bring justice. rest easy."

A former teacher said she was heartbroken after hearing he was critically hurt.

"Misael was my former 3rd grade student many moons ago," she said. "This situation really breaks my heart . The people that did this to him need to have a consequence. Please if you witnessed anything speak up , it’s the right thing to do . Praying for Misael , his family and those that saw anything to have the courage to speak up."

GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.