COLUMBIA, S.C. — On Thursday, hundreds gathered to remember Tre Ruff, a Chapin High School student who unexpectedly passed away earlier in the week.
It was a time to reflect on and remember the life of Fabien Douglas Ruff, known as 'Tre.' The 17-year-old was a defensive lineman for the Chapin High School football team, heading into his senior season when he died suddenly on Tuesday.
Ruff's coach, Justin Gentry, said Tre impacted many lives, leaving a hole in the Chapin community.
"Just the amount of people that he touched, the heart that was just right there, he just loved everybody," Gentry said. "It's hard to explain unless you knew him, and he's going to leave a place in my heart."
Friends, family, and district staff attended Ruff's memorial service. Outside the Eagles' stadium, his team photo sat covered in flowers and pictures.
During the service, Coach Gentry, Tre's girlfriend, and the defensive coach spoke about him and his impact on their lives.
Sherrel Mars, a coworker of Tre's father, says she only ever heard great things about Tre. "He has been nothing but what his dad talked about, just a stand-up guy, easygoing."
Gentry says he'll miss Tre's smile in team meetings throughout the season,
"Just his smile, like his girlfriend said, his dimples, when we smiled, he just lit up a room," Gentry said.
Gentry took a moment at the beginning of his remarks to read some words that Tre's teammates used to describe him - selfless, true, vibrant, optimistic, sunshine, good-hearted, great, loyal, blissful, valuable.
Gentry said the team will honor Tre before kickoff their football game at 8 p.m. on Friday.