Community members are mourning the tragic passing of a local soccer player who died in a drowning incident in Sarnia.
Lambton College Athletics posted a tribute on Facebook on Wednesday, dedicated to former soccer student-athlete Ochard (Ocho) Campbell.
"Equipped with the friendliest of smiles, an infectious energy that drew everyone in and made them feel welcome, and a love for the game of soccer and the talent to go with it, 'Ocho' was a member of our Men's Soccer Program for two seasons (2023 and 2024)," read Lambton College's Facebook post. "More than just a talented soccer player, Ochard was as genuine as they come. He was a standup member of our Lambton College community, and the Sarnia-Lambton community as a whole."
Sarnia Football Club (FC) also posted to Facebook, stating Campbell had been a valued member of the team for the past three years.
"While he was an outstanding soccer player, he was so much more than that — an incredible person, teammate, and friend whose presence and character touched everyone around him," said Sarnia FC. "We will always remember his huge smile whenever he greeted us on the pitch. That smile, his energy, and the person he was will stay with us forever."
Out of respect for Campbell, Sarnia FC men’s matches scheduled for this coming week have been cancelled.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Campbell's family with funeral expenses and the unexpected costs. A $30,000 fundraising goal was set, and as of noon on September 9, over $18,000 had been raised.
According to the GoFundMe page, Campbell drowned at The Cove on September 7 at just 21 years old.
"There are truly no words that can describe the pain of losing someone so young, with an entire life still ahead of him," read the GoFundMe page. "Ochard was an incredible young man who meant so much to so many people. He was a talented and passionate soccer player, a dedicated brother, a loving son, and a devoted boyfriend."
While local first responders did not provide details about the missing swimmer's identity, Chesterfield Fire Department in Michigan, said it assisted Sarnia crews in the search for a 21-year-old male. First responders spent over five hours searching the Lake Huron waters.
"Sadly, the missing individual was located later in the operation. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Our thoughts are also with the first responders and rescuers who worked tirelessly in hopes of a different outcome," read Chesterfield Fire's post.
Sarnia Fire Rescue also extended its deepest condolences.
"We also want to recognize the tremendous cooperation and efforts of all agencies, organizations, and members of the public who assisted throughout the search," said Sarnia Fire Rescue.
