A Washington high school has been left reeling after the co-captains of their football team tragically died less than 48 hours apart.
Sayon Savorn and Ryan Truong, both 17, died over the weekend in Lynnwood, north of Seattle.
They were teammates on the Lynnwood High School football team.
Sayon, who was a junior, died by suicide at his home.
The teen was found by his mother who said she knew her son was depressed having first spoken to her about it in middle school.
Sayon Savorn (left) and Ryan Truong (right), both 17, died over the weekend in Lynnwood, north of Seattle. They were teammates on the Lynnwood High School football team
Sayon (right) and Ryan (left) were co-captains of the school’s football team. Coaching staff have said their jersey numbers will not be worn next season
‘I don’t think any mother should have that vision in their mind. Every time I close my eyes it’s there, it’s what I see,’ his mother Sheri Tada told KOMO.
Speaking of his mental health, Tada added: ‘I was so aware, and I was so close with him. But yet, he just could not, he like lost hope.’
Just 48 hours after Sayon’s death, his teammate Ryan was found dead on Monday.
Ryan, who was due to graduate this week, died of natural causes and authorities say there are no suspicious circumstances.
Reports say he may have suffered a heart attack.
Hundreds of their shocked classmates gathered at the school wearing yellow on Tuesday in honor of the two student-athletes.
The football team said Sayon and Ryan’s jersey numbers, #11 and #25, will not be worn next season in memory of them.
Sayon was found dead by his mother at their home on Saturday night. She said she knew her son was depressed having first spoken to her about it in middle school
‘Rest In Peace our sons #11 & #25. Always on our mind, Forever in our Hearts. #WePlayForYou,’ a tweet from the team read soon after their deaths.
Coaching staff described their deaths as a ‘double blow’.
‘They were like sons to us,’ assistant coach Cory Tuiolenuu said.
‘Always had a smile on their face. Always hard workers. Never complained. First guys out to practice, last guys to leave.’
Sayon was a member of the school swim team, played clarinet in the school band and also worked as a lifeguard.
Friends and family described him as being a smart, happy, cheerful young man who was the ‘light in every room he walked in’.
A GoFundMe was set up for Sayon’s family to help cover his funeral costs.
For confidential help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or click here.
Ryan, who was due to graduate this week, had been part of the school’s band for four years
The football team said Sayon and Ryan’s jersey numbers, #11 and #25, will not be worn next season in memory of them