Support Diego's Final Journey Home

About 15 years ago, when Diego came into Sports Court, he could barely speak English. He introduced himself to us and almost instantly began coming in daily just to say hello on his way walking back and forth from his apartment to Chico Fiesta. Before we knew it, the language barrier crumbled, and Diego became a friend we looked forward to seeing. He proudly improved in every aspect, to the point where, over the years, people would say he should run for mayor and that everyone in Weirton knows and loves him. He eventually became family to Karen, calling her "Tia," and all of our employees, who immediately became friends and close with him. His personality doesn't let you not become a friend.

He hardly ever didn't greet every single person. People know Chico Fiesta because of him. Then, several years ago, he was involved in a tragic car accident in town and almost didn't make it. He spent a long time at UPMC and had to learn to walk again. It was a long, difficult recovery, but he's strong. The oldest child in his family, he feels a deep responsibility to do everything he can to make his family's life easier back in Mexico, so he fought because they depend on him. And he did just that. He recovered.

Most people forgot it even happened because he never dwelled or showed any lasting impact.

So, unfortunately, sometime Saturday, he was experiencing some symptoms and ended up at WMC. They decided to transport him to UPMC, where he's been since.

They discovered a severe brain bleed and had to remove a portion of his skull to alleviate it. He's sedated until they can better determine the cause and prognosis.

UPDATE: Diego is currently on life support, and in a final act of generosity, his family has made the selfless decision to donate his organs so that he may save the lives of others. This is exactly what Diego would have wanted—he was a kind, giving soul who always put others before himself.

Though the doctors have done all they can, the results of yesterday’s tests confirmed that there is nothing more that can be done. His family, along with his medical team, are now making final arrangements for his organ donation and to lay him to rest with dignity and love.

We will be holding a candlelight vigil for Diego Fernandez tomorrow (Friday) night at 10 PM at the building (Old Oak Station) between Sports Court and Chico Fiesta. This gathering is to honor his memory, share our love for him, and send prayers to his family during this incredibly difficult time.

To help with ongoing expenses and funeral arrangements, we will be starting a GoFundMe campaign. Our hope is to bring Diego back to his hometown and reunite him with his family for his final resting place. Any support, whether through donations, prayers, or simply sharing your memories of Diego, will mean so much.

We hope to see you all tomorrow night at 10 PM as we come together as a community to celebrate his life and legacy. If you have any questions, please reach out to me or the Sports Court page, and someone will get back to you.

We were truly blessed to have Diego in our lives. His kindness, warmth, and generosity touched so many, and through his organ donation, a part of him will continue to live on.

He will forever remain in our hearts. He will always be a part of our small town, Weirton, WV.

Thank you all for your love and support.