Sun Valley senior Thomas dies after a car accident

Sun Valley is mourning the loss of senior athlete Tazuan Thomas.

Thomas, a member of the Class of 2021, died following an automobile accident in Philadelphia on July 6.

Thomas was a standout in football and track and field for the Vanguards. Tributes for Thomas poured in on social media Monday and Tuesday.

“The past few years I’ve gotten to know a young man that was full of life, had tremendous energy and enthusiasm, was emotional about his passion for sports, and was loyal to those closest to him,” Sun Valley assistant football coach Christopher Quintans said. “Taz, you were taken too soon and you will be incredibly missed. #6.”

Thomas was considered one of the

Sun Valley football team’s top returning players in 2021. He was an all-purpose performer who excelled as a running back, wide receiver and defensive back.

“In this time of mourning, we ask for your thoughts and prayers for the Thomas family and all of Taz’s teammates and friends,” the Sun Valley football team posted on its Twitter account, @SValleyFootball. “We will all get through this extremely difficult time together as one and as the family that we are with great character and resolve that we practice every day. Taz was a tremendous young man both on and off the field and he will be forever missed by our football family. RIP #6.”

Sun Valley senior Antonio Rivera, Thomas’ football teammate, wrote on Twitter, “I just lost my best friend. So talented at football ... was too young man ... I can’t even finish my high school career with him. Long live Tazuan Thomas.”

Sun Valley’s Class of 2021 Twitter account, @svclass2021, run by officers and sponsors of the class, posted the following message: “He was a great student, athlete, and friend. He never failed to put a smile on everyone’s face. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Rest In Peace Tazuan Thomas.”

Members of the Sun Valley Touchdown Club, which is the parent booster club that helps support the football program, honored Thomas on their Facebook group page.

“Taz had an infectious personality and had the ability to break a game open at anytime,” Jennifer Guelke Holmes posted on behalf of the club. “He will be missed both on and odd the field by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”

Nicknamed “Shifty” for his diminutive frame and quick speed, Thomas made an immediate impact in his first varsity football game on opening night of the 2018, scoring a touchdown on a 64-yard run in Sun Valley’s blowout win at Penncrest.

Thomas recently celebrated his 18th birthday.

In addition to his exploits in high school sports, Thomas was a member of the Delco Elite football training and development team.

A GoFundMe page has been established to benefit Thomas’ family and to help cover funeral costs.