Pasadena, CA – William Yost, an Altadena resident and former high school baseball star, has been identified as one of the victims of a tragic wrong-way crash on the 134 Freeway in Pasadena. The incident took place on the morning of January 5th, around 8:10 a.m., on the westbound lanes at North San Rafael Avenue.

According to the California Highway Patrol, a vehicle mistakenly entered from the San Rafael off-ramp, traveling eastbound in the wrong direction, leading to a catastrophic collision with three other vehicles, including a Honda and a Toyota Prius. The crash resulted in at least one vehicle catching fire, causing the death of two individuals at the scene. Paramedics transported three others to a nearby hospital.

The accident left two vehicles in such a state of disrepair that they were initially unidentifiable. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a white sedan collide with a silver minivan and the other involved cars.

William Yost, aged 31, was one of the confirmed fatalities. He was a graduate of Pasadena High School, class of 2011, where he was known for his prowess on the baseball field. Yost had a humble online presence, describing himself with humor on his social media profile, stating, “I am just a guy like any other guy, but I am about twice as stupid.”

The identity of the second victim has not yet been disclosed to the public. This tragic event has left the community mourning the loss of a local resident remembered not just for his athletic achievements but also for his down-to-earth personality. Further details on the investigation are awaited as the community continues to seek answers and closure over this heartrending incident.

Greensboro, NC The fitness community in Greensboro and beyond is mourning the loss of Will Powell, a celebrated personal trainer and three-time CrossFit Games Champion, who passed away on January 5, 2025. The news was confirmed by the Masters Fitness Championship among other sources.

Powell, originally from Lockhart, had made a significant mark in the fitness industry not only through his athletic achievements but also through his work at the Powell Fitness and Wellness Studio in Greensboro. He clinched CrossFit Games titles in 2014, 2015, and 2016, showcasing his prowess as an athlete. Post his 2016 victory, he faced a health challenge with a tumor on his left lung, underwent surgery, and made a triumphant return to win the “Fittest on Earth” title in 2021.

His transition from competitor to trainer was seamless, as he dedicated himself to helping others achieve their fitness goals. His studio became a hub for those seeking to improve their health and physique, earning him widespread acclaim for his effective training methods and personal touch.

Will Powell was married to Terry Powell and was known for his resilience after surviving his health issues, which only added to his legacy. His impact was felt deeply within the fitness community, as evidenced by tributes from organizations like the OCB Natural Bodybuilding, which described him as, “Will was a friend to everyone who knew him. He was kind, generous, humble, inspiring, a talented athlete, teacher/coach, and role model for so many. He was incredibly devoted to natural bodybuilding and loyal to the OCB mission of promoting drug-free bodybuilding.”

The passing of Will Powell leaves a void in the fitness world, but his contributions, spirit, and mentorship will continue to inspire those who knew him and many who were touched by his work.

Reno, NV – The community of Reno is mourning the loss of Nico Goon, a recent graduate of Bishop Manogue Catholic High School who passed away. The announcement was made by Goon’s family, though specifics about his death have not been disclosed.

Nico, who attended the school from 2020 to 2024, was a notable athlete, serving as both an offensive and defensive lineman on the varsity football team. His contributions to the team and his vibrant personality left a lasting impression on his peers and the school community.

A celebration of life for Nico Goon is scheduled to take place on January 11th at Grace Church, located at 1220 Robb Drive in Reno. In honor of his memory, a scholarship fund is being established in his name, reflecting his impact on those around him.

Tributes have been pouring in, with one friend stating, “I’ll always remember Nico’s beaming smile and upbeat personality. Praying for his family.” Another added, “His smile could light up a room. Love and prayers to the Goon Family.”

The loss of Nico Goon has deeply affected the Bishop Manogue community, leaving behind memories of a young man celebrated for his warmth, athletic prowess, and the joy he brought to others. Further details regarding his memorial service and the scholarship fund will be announced in due time.

Grand Junction, CO The sports world is mourning the loss of Brian Matusz, a former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher who passed away at the age of 37 on January 7, 2025. Matusz, known for his time with the Baltimore Orioles and a brief stint with the World Series-winning Chicago Cubs, left an indelible mark on the baseball community.

Career Highlights:

Born on February 11, 1987, in Grand Junction, Colorado, Matusz’s journey to the majors began at St. Mary’s High School in Phoenix, Arizona. His talent shone brightly at the University of San Diego, where he led the NCAA in strikeouts in 2008, earning him the West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year and a Golden Spikes Award finalist position.\

Drafted fourth overall by the Orioles in the 2008 MLB Draft, Matusz made his professional debut in 2009, securing a win in his first game. His career spanned eight years, primarily with the Orioles, where he was both a starter and a reliever. Matusz’s standout season was in 2010, where he started 32 games and placed fifth for the AL Rookie of the Year. His career was marked by resilience against injuries, leading to his transition to relief pitching.

Matusz contributed to the Orioles’ postseason appearances in 2012 and 2014. His career stats include 27 wins, 41 losses, a 4.92 ERA, and 462 strikeouts in 280 games. Notably, he ended his MLB tenure with the Cubs in 2016, earning a World Series ring despite appearing in just one game that season. Post-MLB, he played in minor leagues and independent baseball, including stints with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Acereros de Monclova, and Long Island Ducks.

Personal Life:

At the time of his passing, Brian Matusz was not married and did not have any children known to the public. He was remembered not just for his contributions on the field but for his dedication to fans and his warm personality. “He dedicated his time to connecting with any fan he could, was a cherished teammate, and always had a smile on his face,” the Orioles stated in their tribute.

Obituary:

Major League Baseball expressed profound sadness over Matusz’s untimely death. No cause of death has been officially disclosed. The baseball community, fans, and former teammates are sharing memories and condolences, highlighting Matusz’s impact on and off the field.

His legacy includes not only his athletic achievements but also his role as a community figure in Baltimore, where he was known for his engagement and enthusiasm for both the game and those who watched it.

Brian Matusz’s memory will live on through the many lives he touched and the moments he created in the world of baseball.

The Hauppauge Public School is mourning the loss of a beloved fourth-grade teacher, Lara Damadeo.

Damadeo, with the Bretton Woods Elementary School, has died after a 24-year career in Hauppauge. The former Hauppauge High School grad died in recent days, as announced by the Hauppauge Public School District in a statement signed by Dr. Donald Murphy, the Superintendent of Schools. Lara died unexpectedly in Denmark while on vacation. No cause of death was officially listed.

Lara Damadeo graduated from Hauppauge High in 1995 after a stellar academic and extracurricular record. She was inducted into the National Honor Society and was known for her achievements in ballet and her involvement in the Interact club.

Damadeo pursued her Bachelor of Science (BS) in Elementary Education and Dance Education/Performance at New York University. She later earned an M.S. in Reading Teacher Education from Dowling College. She began her full-time teaching career in Hauppauge in 2000, where for over two decades, she was recognized for her dedication, her ability to engage students, and her kindness. Alongside her teaching, she was also a fitness and Pilates instructor at the Ohman School of Ballet and in private studios. In August 2024, she completed a Master of Science in Exercise Psychology at Concordia College.

Following her passing, many have shared tributes highlighting her influence.

“Lara was a sweetheart. Always kind to everyone, and a true lover of dance,” one tribute post read.

A parent also shared, “Ms. Damadeo was both my son’s and daughter’s teacher 7 years apart. I was also her class mom. She had a profound impact on both of my children and we will always be grateful for the time they had with her.”

Funeral arrangements will be announced in due time.

Eric Marinich, an Associate Teaching Professor of Accountancy at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, has died at the age of 49. The news of his passing was confirmed on Friday, January 3, 2025, though no official cause of death has been disclosed.

Marinich, a Hamilton, Ohio native, was an alumnus of Miami University, having graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance in 1999. He furthered his education with a Master of Science in Accounting from the University of Cincinnati in 2008, and later earned his PhD from Michigan State University in 2013. He returned to his alma mater in 2013 to join the faculty at the Farmer School of Business at Miami University, where he has served as an educator ever since.

Tributes from students paint a picture of a beloved educator. One student expressed, “I’m a current senior at Miami University and was in Dr. Marinich’s accounting class. I’m deeply saddened to hear of his passing. He made a lasting impact on so many students. His dedication to his students and his passion for accounting will never be forgotten.”

Marinich’s influence on his students and the academic community at Miami University will be profoundly missed, leaving behind a legacy of teaching excellence and commitment to education in the field of accountancy.

Lorenzo Buffa, a TikTok star with more than 1.2 million followers, has tragically ended his life, leaving behind a poignant and widely circulated note where he detailed the abuse he suffered at the hands of his former partner, Ryan St Pierre. Buffa’s note was scheduled to post on Sunday, after his death, and quickly went viral, shedding light on his personal torment.

In his final message, Buffa accused St Pierre of subjecting him to years of psychological abuse, describing his experience as akin to Stockholm Syndrome. He claimed that his isolation and manipulation by St Pierre left him feeling trapped and without hope. Buffa wrote, “I’m sorry everyone. A few know they could have shown me love but refused and after awhile I was only left with a monster, who had broken me down over 5 years and I was trapped with Stockholm syndrome feeding on the morsels of hope and love for which were rare and taken away and then punishment came.”

He further elaborated on the nature of the abuse, stating, “He isolated me, broke me, and lied to me about everything.” Buffa lamented the lack of support from those who knew of his plight, mentioning that his pleas for help were ignored, which led to his withdrawal from seeking further assistance. “Those that knew where I spoke my silence out loud, the few who most could have helped me who knew how severe, you turned your back, so I stopped reaching out to anyone,” he noted.

Buffa’s note ends with an apology for his choice, emphasizing his inherent capacity for love which was met with what he described as “evil, gaslighting, psychological torture and more” from Ryan St Pierre, whom he explicitly named from Buffalo. This public disclosure has sparked significant discussion online, with many expressing sorrow over Buffa’s suffering and the failure of the community to intervene.

This tragic event underscores the serious implications of mental health, abuse, and the responsibility of communities to support those in distress.

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