Youth basketball teams prepare for tourney despite loss of coach

ADAMS COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) — An Adams County youth basketball program is preparing for a weekend tournament after its head coach was killed in an automobile crash.

For the past four to five years, Christopher Cabrera was the head basketball coach for the FUEGO basketball program, which consists of high school, middle school and elementary school teams. FUEGO stands for “family, united, every game, out.”

Family members say the 31-year-old former high school basketball star was killed in a one-vehicle crash on Saturday at 136th Avenue and Riverdale Road.

“He just went straight into the ditch that is right there on that intersection,” said Natalie Cabrera, Christopher’s sister.

She said better lighting is needed for that stretch of Riverdale. This weekend, FUEGO competes in a two-day tournament at Alameda High School.

Cabrera’s teams vow to bring home more than one championship.

“I’m just hoping we can win this tournament and continue making him happy in heaven,” said Dominic Rivera, assistant coach and Cabrera’s nephew.

Cabrera leaves behind a wife, three children and a grandchild. If you would like to assist the family, a GoFundMe has been launched .

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