FRANKLIN, Ky. (WTVF) — Classmates of 16-year-old Gustavo Ramirez are remembering him as a funny person who radiated positive energy two days after he was killed in a construction accident.
Ramirez attended Franklin-Simpson High School in Kentucky where he was well known among the students and teachers as the class clown and soccer player. Many of them did not realize he moved to Springfield less than a month ago until the news of his death on Tuesday.
"It's just crazy to think somebody like us could just pass away like that. I couldn't believe it was real and I was waiting for somebody to tell me it was a joke and that it was the wrong person," FSHS Junior Haley Fowler told NewsChannel 5.
Ramirez died after falling 120 feet from scaffolding at the La Quinta Inn job site on Interstate Drive near Nissan Stadium. His 18-year-old brother was there when it happened and called police. Officials determined no foul play was involved, but the investigation continues if Ramirez was doing a job he was not permitted to do.
People his age are allowed to work construction jobs, but some of the roles may be prohibited, according to the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA). Employees are not required to wear harnesses when working on scaffolding with attached guardrails.
Ramirez was also involved with LifePoint Church as the drummer for the youth praise band. Friends said he always lifted others up and was never sad.
"He was there for you no matter what. He was always in a good mood," FSHS Junior Atakias Allen said.
"He was a good person. He was always that person that made you laugh in class," FSHS Kaytin Alexander tearfully added.
Ramirez was also known as someone who loved to sing and play soccer with aspirations of being a professional one day. To help the family, the community started a Gustavo Ramirez Memorial Fund with Franklin Bank & Trust. There is also a GoFundMe account to support his family. To learn more click on this link.
