Community Mourns Loss Of Star Montco Athlete In Car Crash

OAKS, PA — Shockwaves continue to ripple through the Pennsylvania college communities and the hometown of Tonee Ellis, the All-American student athlete who died suddenly in a car accident on Tuesday morning. He was 22.

Ellis, formerly of Norristown and Oaks, graduated from Methacton High School and went on to attend both Alvernia University and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. A decorated wrestler, football player, and javelin thrower in high school, he went on to qualify for the NCAA Division 3 National Championships as a collegiate wrestler.

See also: 'Exceptional' Methacton Grad, All American Athlete, Dies At 22

More than $13,000 has been raised in a GoFundMe as of Thursday afternoon supporting his family and memorial costs. A total of 254 people have donated.

"Throughout his journey, Tonee remained a humble soul, never seeking help for himself but always being the first to extend a helping hand to others in need," his friend Percy Jones wrote.

"This was the most humble and hilarious guy I’ve ever had the honor to be close friends with. He deserves all the praise in the world because he was a guy who never asked people to like him but we all did anyway," another shared.

Alvernia University issued a statement notifying the school community and expressing their condolences.

"Tonee was an outstanding young man that we are lucky to have gotten to work with, train with, and get to know over the last few years," said Alvernia head wrestling coach Kriss Bellanca. "Despite his quiet and soft-spoken demeanor, Tonee was a workhorse and a fighter. He will be greatly missed."

Ellis thrived as a student of ecology and evolutionary biology, as the natural world was his other great passion outside of sports. Alvernia's Associate Vice President for Athletics Bill Stiles called him an "incredible student-athlete on and off the mat" with a "contagious" work ethic.

Over at IUP, school officials said they were making counselors and therapy available for students. Students are encouraged to reach out to the IUP Center for Applied Psychology at 724-357-6228 or email laknight@iup.edu.

"The death of someone you knew can evoke strong feelings," IUP President Michael Driscoll said. "The best way to cope is to talk to your closest friends, family members, or trusted teachers."

To learn more about Elllis and to contribute to the fundraiser started in his name, see here.