Rio Hondo College wrestler dies after collapsing during tournament

A 20-year-old college student collapsed during a wrestling tournament at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut on Saturday and later died, officials said.

Jesus Cruz, a student at Rio Hondo College in Whittier, was on the mat with an opponent when he collapsed. He was treated by a Mt. San Antonio athletic trainer and paramedics and taken to San Dimas Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to a statement released by Rio Hondo President Ted Martinez Jr.

The remainder of the all-day tournament was canceled. Martinez described Cruz as a popular second-year wrestler and captain of the Rio Hondo squad.

“Jesus was the epitome of the ideal student-athlete,” Martinez said. “In addition to being an excellent student who maintained a high GPA, he was a Community College All American, captain of the RHC wrestling team and a superb leader.”

Cruz had attended Northview High School in Covina, school officials said. Grief counselors were to meet in coming days with Rio Hondo coaches, players and students.

“Our thoughts and prayers are extended to his family, his teammates, and to Coach Mike Tellez and the Rio Hondo College wrestling family,” Martinez said.

carla.rivera@latimes.com