The Amherst College football player who died last week in Mexico City “enriched our lives and fortified our spirits,’’ his family said Wednesday in an obituary for the 21-year-old student.
The obituary for Andrew Michael Dorogi, an Ohio native, appeared on the website of Dostal Bokas Funeral Services in North Olmsted, Ohio.
“Andrew’s smile radiated the joy and faith with which he lived his life,’’ his family wrote. “We will always remember his wit, intelligence, athleticism and kind heart. We will forever treasure the blessing of our time with Andrew, and the precious memories of how he enriched our lives and fortified our spirits.’’
The authorities have released few details about Dorogi’s death. He died just days before his 22nd birthday. Dorogi was expected to graduate in May.
The State Department on Tuesday confirmed that he died Friday in Mexico City but released no details.
A spokeswoman said Wednesday that the State Department stands “ready to provide appropriate consular services. Out of respect for the family during this difficult time, we have no further comment.’’
Attempts to reach Dorogi’s family weren’t successful.
The US Consulate in Mexico City could not be reached for comment.
Local law enforcement officials had no immediate comment, except to say an investigation remains open.
Amherst junior Mantero Moreno-Cheek, who played with Dorogi on the football team, described him Wednesday as a “great friend.’’
“Originally meeting him on my recruiting visit, we instantly bonded over the fact that we were both Ohio boys with nothing but our Ohio pride,’’ Moreno-Cheek wrote in a message to the Globe. “He made the transition to Amherst College easy, as we were able to talk about mutual friends [and] common high school football opponents.’’
Moreno-Cheek said he could yell out “O-H,’’ and Dorogi would quickly respond, “I-O,’’ spelling out Ohio.
“He was a great friend,’’ Moreno-Cheek said, “but an even better person.’’
Marquise Watson, a former running backs coach at Amherst who now coaches at Rutgers, echoed those comments on Twitter.
“This kid was an amazing person, going to miss you like hell,’’ Watson tweeted Wednesday. “Sad to see someone go so early. It was my honor to coach you and build a bond with you. I love you so much. RIP ANDREW! My prayers go out to the entire DOROGI FAMILY. #22forever’’
Amherst College, where Dorogi studied economics, on Tuesday extended “sympathies on behalf of the entire Amherst community to his family, friends, teammates, coaches, and teachers.’’
A college spokeswoman declined to comment further on Wednesday.
Aides to Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey said their offices are monitoring the case and have contacted Amherst officials to offer support and condolences to Dorogi’s family.
According to Dorogi’s obituary, he had a job lined up after graduation as an investment banking analyst at Wells Fargo and studied during his junior year in Rome, “traveling extensively through Europe with his best friends.’’
In addition to football, Dorogi excelled at hockey in high school and made the All Ohio squad, and his interests extended beyond athletics, the obituary said.
While growing up, he was an “acapella and glee club member, and a baritone in the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus,’’ the notice said. “Andrew also volunteered for Hope for Honduran Children Foundation.’’
His funeral is scheduled for Saturday.
Cristela Guerra and Danny McDonald of the Globe staff contributed to this report. Travis Andersen can be reached at tandersen@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @TAGlobe.
