Coaches Rally To Support Midlothian Teen, Family After Father's Death

MIDLOTHIAN, IL — Two coaches are doing what they can to help the family of a Bremen High School senior, following the sudden death of the teen's father several months ago. Student Eric Perez-Nava has kept composure and continued to lead his teammates in the months since the family's loss, Bremen High School Football Coach Dan Stell told Patch, and he and another coach hope to give the Midlothian teen and his family a brighter Christmas.

Eric's father Jose Perez Ortiz died unexpectedly in September at 39 years old. Stell is leading an effort to collect donations of any kind for Perez-Nava, who has a younger brother, 12, and sister, 6. Older brother Alex, 19, also attended Bremen High School, and was also an exemplary student-athletes, Stell said. An offensive and defensive lineman, Perez-Nava captained the football team to a 9-2 record—the school's strongest season in years.

"Eric continued through his season, played lights-out," Stell said. "Eric was the captain of the team, carried himself unwavering throughout the season. Unbelievable to watch how he was able to handle the situation."

Perez-Nava is unassuming and did not want to be interviewed, Stell said. The family is private about the circumstances behind the father's death, with Stell only comfortable saying that he was in a coma prior to his passing. His death was unexpected.

Stell and Bremen High School Assistant Wrestling Coach Mike Lynch have both coached him for four years, noting his growth and maturity on and off the field and mat.

"He’s had dynamic leadership qualities since he first came on campus as a freshman," Stell said. "He grew and evolved emotionally and socially. ... His ability to navigate through this at such a young age, shows his maturity."

Perez-Nava's performance on the mat has not only not suffered, but he's worked hard to excel, taking 1st place at a recent tournament, Lynch said.

"He stayed focused, both academically and as an athlete, as well," Lynch said. "Being a student-athlete is hard enough, without dealing with something like this … He’s doing great things both in and out of the classroom."

Perez-Nava works a job after school and practice, along with his older brother who works two jobs, both trying to support the family. Perez-Nava also was recognized as academic All-State in 2022.

"They’re just great boys," Lynch said. "Fantastic kids, very polite, very respectful. They’re working like crazy right now to help support the family."

The coaches hope to bring in as many donations as possible to help Perez-Nava, his mother Karla, and his siblings.

"We’re looking for anything and everything for the family, to give them a special holiday," Stell said.

"Donations—we’ll take everything and anything."

A grassroots effort at the school has generated impressive support, Stell said, but he'd like to do more.

"The response that we’ve gotten has been overwhelming, the amount of people that have reached out, offered to buy gifts, wrap gifts," Stell said. "It’s been amazing, the amount of support pouring in."

Stell can be reached via email for any questions, at dstell@bhsd228.com. Gift donations can be dropped off at Bremen High School, 15203 Pulaski Rd, in Midlothian. Financial donations will be accepted through the school's booster club.

Any support would benefit Perez-Nava's family, and Stell said the senior deserves to feel the support.

"He held it together for his younger siblings," Stell said, of Perez-Nava's presence on the field in the weeks following his father's death. "I can’t give the kid enough credit for handling it so well."