The family of Amitral “AJ” Simon, an NFL draft prospect, created a GoFundMe after their sudden loss.
AJ was a college football player on the track for the NFL when he died suddenly. According to his obituary, he “passed away unexpectedly and peacefully in his sleep at the age of 25, on April 16, 2024.”
“AJ played five seasons of college football at the FCS level — He started at the Division II level at Bloomsburg University for two seasons (2019, 2021),” his obituary reads.
“After having two successful seasons, he transferred to a Division I level at University at Albany (2022-2023). AJ was a defensive lineman for the UAlbany Great Danes. With him having such a prodigious season, he entered his name into the 2024 NFL draft. AJ not only excelled on the field, but also in his academics, as he was placed on the Dean’s list.”
AJ’s death occurred less than two weeks before the NFL Draft. His passing came as a devastating shock to family and friends.
AJ Simon’s Family Starts a GoFundMe After His Sudden Death
Following AJ’s death, his family set up a GoFundMe to help celebrate and honor his life.
“On April 16, 2024, our family lost a piece of our heart that will forever be missed,” the GoFundMe reads. “AJ was an amazing son, brother, uncle, teammate, friend and inspiration to many. He was a star on and off the field with an immense impact on the youth and community. His smile was contagious. His laugh and his presence would light up a room. He was at the pinnacle of his football career with the NFL draft ahead of him.”
The GoFundMe also included photos of AJ over the years, many of which featured various family members, highlighting his close ties to his loved ones.
According to the GoFundMe page, his family set up the fundraiser “to make sure he is given the proper send off to represent who he was, not only to his family, but to all of those he inspired.” Donations will help offset funeral expenses. The funeral services will take place on Monday, April 29 at Community Church.
AJ leaves behind his parents, his two sisters, his nephew, and his niece.
“If love could have saved him, he would have lived forever,” his family concludes.