Senior Erson Cruz is known as a confident, honest, loving, and reliable person. Throughout his high school years, Cruz touched many hearts, causing students and teachers to give outstanding stories for him.
According to many scholars and teachers, Cruz’s dream was to go to trade school to become a certified electrician after graduating in May. Last school year when he realized Parkdale was missing a Chess Club, Cruz suggested that one would be beneficial for students who did not want to join sports or wanted an intellectual sport. The club was soon after created. His passions did not end there, though.
“I know he loved to box,” said senior Landon Cruz Hidalgo. “Boxing was something he enjoyed a lot.”
Cruz Hidalgo even recalls Cruz wanting to teach him how to box and play chess.
“One day he said he wanted to play chess with me and well I had to because I felt bad,” said Cruz Hidalgo. “He won of course because he was better but it was fun playing with him because I learned a lot about chess because of him.”
During his junior year, Cruz joined The Paw Print newspaper and wrote articles on his interests. He loved wrestling, boxing and video games, the topics on which he focused for his articles.
“The main thing that stood out to me about Erson was how friendly he was,”said senior Keuri Jimenez Dávila. “You could always count on him no matter what. You could call him at any time to come pick you up and he would always come through.”
Many other students agree, including senior Jose Hernandez and Cruz Hidalgo. Hernandez recalls the times where he, or any of Cruz’s friends, would have a bad day, and Cruz would always cheer them up.
“He would always be nice to everyone, even people he didn’t know, and would help always be there to help,” said Hernandez.
Cruz Hidalgo remembers this kindhearted spirit, too, that far exceeded just a regular friendship and delved into brotherhood.
“He was very kind and sweet and so happy, even though he didn’t seem like the most loving or caring person, but he truly was so sweet and kindhearted amongst the crowd,” said Cruz Hidalgo. “ You can feel his soft soul, which always gave off the since of home and a brotherhood feeling that is irreplaceable.”
On February 23, near Kenilworth Avenue on the Riverdale/Greenbelt border, Cruz was in a tragic vehicle accident that tragically took his life. Since the tragedy, his friends and family decorated his accident site to honor his memory. Roughly 20 days after the accident on March 15 was Cruz’s 18th birthday. Many friends visited him on this day and gave him gifts for his memory.
Though he was a private person, according to his friends, Cruz was the type of person who would make sure his loved ones would find the happiness they deserve. He would help and love everyone with no judgment.
“He was so down to earth,” said another friend who wished to remain anonymous. “He would be so honest to everyone and himself. He would not change himself for anyone or anything.”
According to many teachers, Cruz always tried hard to succeed and not disturb many students during class.
“He was a social person but no to the point where he would disturb the class or have the class loud,” said Mr. Johnson. “He would help students if needed as well and make sure they understood if he knows [or] understands.”
Mr. Johnson recalled the last time he spoke to Cruz when Cruz was worried about failing a class, but even then, he “was always a good person with good grades and a positive attitude.”
Although many could not bring themselves to talk about their late friend, some found the courage to talk about their experiences with him, as well as what they would like to say to him one last time:
“If Erson was still with us, I would probably tell him ‘I love you man. I know I don’t show it but you’ve been like one of my brothers, not just my friend’,” said Jimenez Dávila .
“Honestly if he was still here, I think I would go back to how things were, how we joked around and just helped him out with any problem,” said Mr. Johnson.
“If he was still here, I’d tell him how much he really meant to me, how much I loved him and how much I appreciated every second of him being here.” said Cruz Hidalgo. “I’d apologize for always saying not being able to hang out because I needed to work. I’d say how much he really meant to me and how much he will forever be my baby brother, and he will always be remembered as one of my truest friends.”
“We all miss you man, I hope you are at peace now.”
Please consider supporting the legacy of Erson Crus through a little donation for his gravestone. This was organized by his friends to help support his family in the rough times. Click the link below for more information: https://gofund.me/0e30d6fe
