Community mourns the loss of young basketball player

HURRICANE, W.Va. — The community of Hurricane is mourning the loss of a young basketball player after he unexpectedly passed away Monday.

Outside Hurricane Middle School sits a memory box filled with cards and reminders of a young man gone too soon. Adam Zimmerman has known Will Washburn and his family for years, and he coached Will since he was in second grade.

"He's not here physically, but spiritually, we'll feel him," Zimmerman said. " And we'll say, 'He's here watching.' And you can do nothing but smile, cause his smile was contagious."

Will Washburn wore number 10 on Hurricane Middle School's basketball team. He was a shining star to anyone who knew him.

"When he was playing well, we were lights out," Coach Shane Nicely said. " When he was struggling, we were struggling as a team. If I kept his energy on path, he made it so easy."

Will was doing what he loved Monday evening, playing basketball at home, when he suddenly collapsed. His friends know, if the tables were turned, WIll would be the one holding them together, honoring them the same way.

"He would be right here dropping something off for somebody that was gone too soon," Nicely said. "He would be leading the pack and be an example for helping somebody that's grieving or trying to make them laugh."

In the midst of the tragedy, plans are already in place to keep his memory alive. The school is planning to create an award and scholarship in his name. His jersey, retired. It will hang over the home bench next season.

"It's humbling how much we love him, but other communities saw what a great kid that Will was," Nicely said.