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DRAPER — Students around the Salt Lake Valley are coming together to mourn a Corner Canyon High School lacrosse player who died from brain cancer.
Paxton Newell, 17, started battling brain cancer during his sophomore year of high school. A GoFundMe* account was created to help Paxton's family pay for radiation and other medical costs and more than $44,000 was raised.
Paxton died on Tuesday and his fellow classmates are banding together during this difficult time to honor his memory.
"He was so loved by everyone who knew him and will be deeply missed," the Corner Canyon High School Instagram account said. "This morning we had both Alta and Hillcrest high student governments come show their support and help us honor Paxton. We are sincerely grateful for all the love and generosity in this community, especially coming from other schools in our district."
The high school's Instagram account told everyone to wear green — Paxton's favorite color — during school and the football game Friday in honor of Paxton.
"It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our teammate, friend, and brother. To know Paxton, was to love him. He had an infectious smile and was friends with everyone," the lacrosse team said on social media Thursday. "May you rest in (peace) brother and know you will never be forgotten."
Corner Canyon High School Principal Dina Kohler sent a letter to the Corner Canyon community to inform students of his passing. The school will be providing grief counseling for any student who wants it.
Canyons School District also has free grief services at Canyons Family Center located at Mount Jordan Middle School for students, faculty, parents or guardians who need it.
"Canyons District and Corner Canyon High School are humbled at the outpouring of care from schools across Utah who are expressing support at the news of the death of a Corner Canyon student," Kohler said in a statement. "We have been so touched at the sight of students at other high schools posting photographs of themselves wearing green to honor the memory of the Charger who passed away this week."
Staci Chavez organized the GoFundMe on behalf of the Newell family and said the family has been so grateful for the community's support.
"The Newells' house became a sacred place of love, devotion and service. Neighbors dropping off meals, flowers and cards, decorating their door, hanging ribbons, putting hearts all over the lawn, doing yard work are just a few things I noticed," the GoFundMe said. "I saw the community rally around Paxton, sharing social media posts, thousands of people praying for Paxton and the Newells, generous donations poured in. We live amongst many angels, we don't have to look far to notice how many we are surrounded by."
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
