Former Sacramento State football player Ivan Garza dies at 25 after being struck by vehicle while crossing roadway

Former Sacramento State offensive lineman Ivan Garza died Wednesday from injuries after being struck by a vehicle. The football program announced Garza's death on social media. He was 25 years old.

Garza played for the Hornets from 2019-23, redshirting as a freshman. He appeared in 38 games during three seasons, starting 36 of them at either left or right tackle.

A 6-foot-5 lineman, Garza was on two Big Sky championship teams in 2021 and 2022, and earned honorable mention all-Big Sky honors in 2023. He played at Sacramento State after graduating from Robert F. Kennedy High School in Delano, California.

"Rest in peace, Ivan Garza," a statement from Sacramento State football said.

"We give our deepest condolences to Ivan's friends and family. He will be remembered as a wonderful teammate, player, and Hornet."

According to police (via KGET in Bakersfield), Garza was crossing a road in his hometown of Delano around 4 a.m. when he was hit by an automobile. He was struck while crossing a roadway. The driver, a 32-year-old woman, stayed on the scene after the crash and cooperated with officers, police told Sacramento's KTXL.

Garza was transported to a hospital, where he died from his injuries.

"The Thunderbird Family lost a young man too soon. Our condolences go out to the Family of Ivan Garza," read a tribute to Garza from his high school football program on Facebook.

"Beyond his accomplishments on the football field, Ivan will be remembered for the person he was — a gentle giant with a kind heart, an infectious smile, and a genuine love for his family, friends, teammates, and everyone fortunate enough to know him," said a statement from Garza's family on a GoFundMe page started for his mother, Sandra.

The crash that killed Garza is still under investigation, police told KGET.