Hunter Vindiola Death | Obituary – QC StuCo members age 16 Hunter Vindiola sadly passed away , his coach Joe Germaine said Vindiola died Friday in a side-by-side 4-wheel accident.
“Hunter was an amazing young man, extremely influential to all levels of our program, a great student, and a very talented football player,” Germaine said.
Condolences poured in on social media Saturday for the Vindiola and Queen Creek football family.
Hunter Vindiola
Steve Vindiola, Hunter’s father, posted on Facebook:
“We are so heartbroken for the loss of our baby boy Hunter Vindiola. He was the kindest, funniest, most loyal, very talented, and amazing young man. He was also my hero. You have been taken from all of us way to soon. I love you son and always will. Rest In Peace.”
Steve said that his family was vacationing in the White Mountains near Eagar where the accident took place. He said his son grew up riding side-by-sides.
Steve said his son was riding with another Queen Creek football player Friday, when they “hit a soft shoulder,” and rolled. Vindiola’s teammate did not sustain life-threatening injuries, Steve said.
Steve said he drove to the scene in his truck after receiving a message from his niece, who also was riding in a side-by-side near Hunter. He said he got there before paramedics arrived and tried resuscitating his son.
“I worked on him until they got there,” Steve said.
Queen Creek receiver Miles Molander tweeted, “This season is dedicated to you.”
Senior safety Hunter Barth tweeted, “RIP Hunter Vindiola. Love you man. This is truly heartbreaking. My prayers go out to the Vindiola family. Fly High Brother.”
Steve said he was surprise by the outpouring of love and support his family received from the community.
“I went to a Home Depot (Sunday morning) and (there was a car that said) ‘Rest in Peace Hunter,’ ” Steve said. “I didn’t realize how popular he was.”
Vindiola, 6-foot-5, 240 pounds, was ranked No. 60 among The Arizona Republic’s Top 100 2022 football prospects in the state.
“A great O-line prospect,” Germaine said. “He checked all the boxes, academically, size, athleticism.
“He was an amazing leader for the younger sophomore and freshman players in our program. Took the time to be good to them.”
Steve said his son always picked up the guys who were being picked on by bullies growing up.
“He was a really big kid, but he had the kindest heart,” Steve said. “If someone was bullied, he was the one who was on the side of the kid who was down. He would pick him up.”
The Vindiola family is in the process of arranging a viewing and funeral for Hunter. Steve said the viewing will allow for groups of 50 people at a time, and the funeral will allow for a total of 50 people, because of the coronavirus pandemic.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.
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