Coach Fleeting holds the memorial plaque presented to the Football Team by Chasity Hernandez, mother of late Elijah-Jay Mariano Rivera, in remembrance of her son’s lasting legacy.Windsor, CT – October 10, 2024 – Yesterday, the Windsor High School community gathered to honor the life of Elijah-Jay Mariano Rivera, fondly known as “Big Texas,” at a memorial held at the school’s football field. Elijah, who wore #65 on the football team, tragically passed away one year ago during practice from sudden cardiac arrest. The memorial marked the first anniversary of his passing and brought together friends, family, teammates, and community members to remember the vibrant life of a young man who left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Carlos Jay Rivera & Chasity Hernandez, parents of the late Elijah-Jay Mariano Rivera, pose with WHS Principal Dr. Breon Parker at the memorial event honoring their son’s legacy.
Elijah’s parents, Carlos Jay Rivera and Chasity Hernandez, were joined by many loved ones in the moving tribute. Standing before the crowd, Elijah’s father shared emotional words that brought comfort and inspiration to the community.
Mr. Rivera is warmly greeted by members of the 2024 WHS football team, who honor the memory of his son, Elijah-Jay Mariano Rivera, with their support and brotherhood.
“I lost a son, but I gained all of you as sons. As we mourn Eli, let’s also remember him for who he was—his love for life and living, his smile, his sense of humor, and his deep love for his family and his teammates. Let’s use his memory to raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest and what we can do as a community to help protect student-athletes,” said Mr. Rivera.
Students gather to remember Eli. The tribute was a powerful reminder of Elijah’s lasting legacy and the importance of community support.
Mr. Fulton, WPS Athletic Director, shares the important news about the upcoming ‘EKGs for Eli’ initiative to help protect student-athletes.In Elijah’s memory, Christopher Fulton, Windsor Public Schools Athletic Director, announced a new initiative called “EKGs for Elijah”—a free heart screening event for student-athletes aged 8-18. The event, held in partnership with In a Heartbeat, will take place on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at Windsor High School. These free screenings, organized with the support of Elijah’s family, aim to prevent future tragedies by identifying preexisting heart conditions that may go unnoticed.
“An EKG is a simple test that can identify potential risks, including irregular heart rhythms and other abnormalities, that might otherwise go undiagnosed,” said Fulton. “By offering these screenings, we aim to raise awareness and give families peace of mind, while ensuring the safety and well-being of our student-athletes.”
For more information about EKGs for Elijah or to register for the free screening event, please visit In a Heartbeat’s Screening Page or contact Amy Stavola, Assistant to the Athletic Director, at astavola@windsorct.org.
About Windsor Public Schools:
Windsor Public Schools is dedicated to creating safe, supportive, and nurturing environments where every student can succeed. Through partnerships with families and the community, WPS provides holistic education, health, and wellness programs that ensure students are prepared to thrive both in school and in life.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Gianna Gill
Communications and Community Engagement
Windsor Public Schools
Email: ggill@windsorct.org