Shippensburg University student, Sam Cabrera, 21, died in the early morning on Monday, Aug. 8.
Cabrera was pronounced dead in Baltimore, Maryland, according to those close to him. His cause of death is currently unknown. Cabrera was attending the Moonrise Festival with some of his friends at the time of his death.
His family is from the Dominican Republic, a place he enjoyed living and visiting.
Cabrera was set to become a senior this semester with a marketing major. He was a member of the fraternity, Theta Xi, and was Fleetwood Area High School’s homecoming king in 2012.
Cabrera was a beloved son, brother, uncle and boyfriend. He was also a dog-father, raising a young puggle named Jane, who could be found by his side most of the time.
No matter where Cabrera went, he was loved. Known for his bright smile, generosity and engaging personality, he was friendly to everyone he met and would do anything to help his friends.
“Sam was selfless,” said Mike Monterosso, SU alumni and Cabrera’s Big Brother during his induction to Theta Xi, “He’d take the shirt of his back for anyone, even a stranger.”
“God needed an angel and he took the best one he could have. We lost superman.”
Cabrera moved often in his younger years, but lived most of his life in Fleetwood, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Fleetwood High School in 2013. Even years after graduation, Cabrera is still remembered in a positive manner.
“Sam was the type of student that every teacher dreams of having in class,” Fleetwood High School teacher Susan Nagle said. “He had a wonderful personality and always had a smile on his face. He was accepting of others, and usually had a hug for anyone who was willing to take one. This Earth is a darker place without him.”
Brandon Etzler, another brother of Theta Xi, set up a GoFundMe account to help raise funds for funeral expenses. As of 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 10, the account raised $9,774 of its $10,000 goal. Raising that amount in just a few days is truly a testament to how much Cabrera was loved.
“Summarizing our friendship in a few words is an impossible task,” said long-time friend and SU alumni, Andrew Moran. “When I say I lost a brother, I truly did. He showed me, as well as others, who we should strive to be every day. Sam will live with us forever.”
Services for Cabrera will be held at Mae A. Stump Funeral Home in Fleetwood, Pennsylvania, on Aug. 10 and 11 from 4-9 p.m.
Upon release, additional information regarding the death of Cabrera will be provided at theslateonline.com. Friends, family and loved ones may contact former Slate Sports Editor Cale Ahearn at cahearn@fox43.com if they would like to provide comment on Cabrera's life.
Ahearn is a graduate of Shippensburg University, former member of The Slate staff and friend of Sam Cabrera.
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