Theo Gibbs, 18, died suddenly in his sleep at his family’s Regina home on December 30.
Gibbs began his baseball career at the Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League’s Regina White Sox before going to the Martin Sports Academy and the Regina Red Sox Academy.
Gibbs played collegiate baseball at Lassen Community College (LCC) in Susanville, Calif., and was home for the holidays and rehabilitation.
In June, Gibbs committed to LCC after graduating from the Martin baseball program. However, he suffered a shoulder issue at LCC and returned to Regina to recover.
In January, Gibbs was heading back to the LCC baseball team.
LCC’s Baseball Coach Frank Avilla released a statement about Gibbs passing.
“Our baseball program is heartbroken by the passing of Theo Gibbs,” said Avilla.
“We send our prayers and wish his family comfort, peace, and strength as they mourn the loss of their oldest son. Although our time was brief, Theo’s smile and energy was infectious.”
Baseball was not the only sport that Gibbs played. While growing up, he suited up with two minor hockey teams: the Regina Shamrocks and Regina Cougars.
Theo is survived by his parents, Kory and Dana, and brothers, Townes, 15, and Ali, 12. The entire family takes part in local sports and both parents are teachers.
The family thanked everyone who reached out about the unexpected passing of their son.
“We are forever grateful for the love and support shown to us in this time of unbelievable sadness,” said Dana Gibbs.
“Thank you to everyone who has reached out to us. Words will never be enough. Your love is holding us up. Whenever you think of Theo in the coming hours and days, please pass on an act of kindness and send your love up to him.”
Family friend Chantel Kaufmann organized a GoFundMe to help the family with funeral costs.
As of Wednesday, more than $49,000 was raised from 555 donors, with donations ranging from $10 to $1,000.
“I’m not up on my social media-type things, but my kids told me it was the Number 1-trending GoFundMe in all of North America or something like that,” said Kaufmann.
“It really shows you the love that people have for his family. It’s a great family that is well respected and works really hard and would do this at the drop of the hat for anyone else. They know that they have helped out in so many ways when people have gone through hard times.”
“It’s really very sad. He was a great kid and it’s a really great family. You really don’t want to see this happen to anybody.”
