TEARY GOODBYE
THE FAMILY of 14-year-old Dominick Bess joined with hundreds of his friends Saturday to say their final goodbyes — even as questions lingered about how he died.
Nearly 200 people crowded into the gym at Mount Saint Michael Academy in the Wakefield section of the Bronx to attend funeral services for Dominick, who died Aug. 22 after completing a series of sprints on his second day of football practice.
Dominick’s grandparents eulogized him in a series of moving remembrances that touched on his love of sports and his family.
“He was noble and kind. He would volunteer to take care of his 1½-year-old niece. My heart aches for my grandson,” said his grandmother Louise DaSilva.
His uncle Bertram Meade said the family was still trying to understand death.
“He wanted to make his family proud .... We have more questions than answers. One day, I can only imagine talking to him and asking what went wrong ... Others have tried to explain it,” Meade said. Dominick’s sudden
Three bouquets of flowers surrounded the altar, which bore a pair of angel wings made of white flowers.
Dominick’s brother read from Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd.”
“It is tough. We don't understand it,” 17-year-old T’Andre Carty-Meade told mourners.
Dominick’s grandfather played a trumpet solo of “His Eye Is On The Sparrow.”
His mother wiped away tears during much of the ceremony. She left when a rendition of “You Raise Me Up” began.
Her sobs echoed throughout the gym while the song continued.
Dominick, who had no known medical issues and was cleared by doctors to play football for his school, collapsed last month while practicing in 79-degree temperatures with humidity hovering around 82%.
The incoming freshman played a variety of sports but loved football, his mother said.
An autopsy was conducted but an official cause of death is still pending.
Some relatives shared stories of Dominick, remembering his sense of humor and upbeat nature.
As a child he spent several years on the Caribbean island of Montserrat.
The family had a steel pan drum on the altar that was played as mourners sang along with “Every Praise” and “Blessed Assurance.”
As the memorial service drew to a close, Dominick’s uncle reminded the mourners that the teen’s energy was still part of the family.
“You're all so sad today because my nephew isn't here. Say thanks to everybody who contributed to his development,” he said.