Daniel Chairez, a star running back for Orange High in the 2005 season, died April 2.
His uncle Samuel Chairez reported via email that Daniel died at St. Joseph Hospital of cardiac arrest. Daniel had battled severe asthma.
Chairez was Golden West League offensive player of the year in ’05. He rushed for 1,527 yards and 17 touchdowns while averaging 9 yards a carry. Orange went 11-3 that year and advanced to the CIF-Southern Section Division 7 championship game in which the Panthers lost to South Hills of Covina, 41-16.
In that championship game, Chairez rushed for 110 yards and one touchdown on 20 carries and scored Orange’s other touchdown on a 63-yard touchdown pass play. After the game, Greg Gibson, Orange’s coach at the time, said, “He’s a true warrior. I couldn’t be more proud of him.”
A viewing is Monday from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. at Templo Calvario Church, 2501 W. 5th St, Santa Ana.
The funeral service is Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Templo Calvario Church followed by burial at Santa Ana Cemetery, 1919 E Santa Clara Ave, Santa Ana.
In lieu of Flowers, donations can be made to Samuel Chairez, PO Box 4432, Santa Ana, CA 92702.
