Friends, family and members of the community on Friday paid their respects to Abe Romero, the Organ Mountain High School football player who passed away on Sept. 17.
A public viewing was held Friday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Baca's Funeral Chapels for the 17-year-old.
"He was my brother, he was always there for me and I loved him like a brother. He always supported me through anything and it's just really sad to see him gone like this," said Joshua Mendoza, who graduated last year and played football with Romero.
Mendoza said Romero will always be remembered as being kind and caring to everyone.
"He was always there for you no matter what," said Mendoza.
Romero died three weeks after he was severely injured during a football game in Deming.
He spent three weeks in a coma after he was severely injured during a football game Deming football game on Aug. 26.
Antonio Sanchez, who knows Romero's cousin, said he attended the public viewing because he "wanted to come and honor a great football player."
Visitation is scheduled for Saturday at 9 a.m. at Las Cruces First located at 5605 Bataan Memorial West.
Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m.
Las Cruces police and other area law enforcement will help escort Romero and his family from church services to his final resting place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery at 100 South Espina Street.
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