Former world champion cheerleader unexpectedly dies at 30. ‘The most beautiful soul’
The cheerleading community is mourning the death of 30-year-old Eric Ortiz, who has been referred to as a “legend” in his sport.
An obituary states Ortiz, who most recently lived in New York City’s the Bronx, died on Saturday, Oct. 22.
Ortiz was a 10-time national champion and two-time world champion, according to CheerMAD.com. He cheered for the University of Louisville and GymTyme.
A cause of death has not been confirmed, but loved ones said it was unexpected.
GymTyme, which has four locations in Kentucky, Illinois and Indiana, said in a social media post on Monday, Oct. 24, that Ortiz’ death occurred as the program celebrated its homecoming weekend.
“Eric Ortiz was a force when he joined our program. He could stunt, tumble, jump, dance, and perform with some of the greatest athletes that have ever stepped a shoe onto a cheer floor,” the gym said. “He was captivating as an athlete. He could do it all and that he did. He was a leader at practice and on the competition floor.”
“Eric was a sweet, amazing, and genuine person,” GymTyme added. “There were always plenty of smiles, hugs, and reasons to laugh when he was near. His positivity was infectious with his teammates, program, and friends.”
Gabi Butler, a star of “Cheer” on Netflix, called Ortiz “the most beautiful soul” she’s ever met.
“You walked into a room and it lit up with this bright light,” Butler said. “You were full of joy, laughter, happiness, light and love. From the very moment I saw you, I knew you were special.”
Idris Boyer, who coached and cheered with Ortiz, said he knew Ortiz “was legendary” when they met.
“I called you the gamechanger,” Boyer said. “Your energy was undeniable and a force in every room you entered.”
“It’s quite literally impossible to have a negative thing to say about the most positive, uplifting, happy and welcoming person I have ever met,” Calvin Konemann added.
A visitation for Ortiz will be held Thursday, Oct. 27, at Sisto Funeral Home in the Bronx.
This story was originally published October 24, 2022 at 10:18 AM with the headline "Former world champion cheerleader unexpectedly dies at 30. ‘The most beautiful soul’."