The halls of Eatonville High School (EHS) are heavy with grief after the unexpected loss of one of their own: senior football player and beloved friend, Axel Stammen. Axel’s passing has sent shockwaves through his teammates, classmates, teachers and the wider Eatonville community. The school confirmed the devastating news and urged everyone to rally in support of one another.
Axel was much more than a student‑athlete. On the football field for the EHS team, he was the kind of teammate who cheered loud for others, offered a hand when someone stumbled, and celebrated every victory—no matter how small. Off the field, he carried that same spirit: warm, approachable, caring. Friends remember him as someone who made you feel seen and included, someone whose presence brought a room to life.
In a heartfelt statement, the football program said: “He was a bright part of our football family, and his absence is felt deeply throughout our entire community.” Those words reflected the empty space Axel leaves behind—a young man whose energy, kindness and authenticity made an impression on everyone around him.
To honour Axel’s memory, EHS has arranged a candlelight vigil on Sunday, November 9th at 6:00 PM in front of the school. It’s an opportunity for classmates, teachers, teammates and community members to gather, reflect, share memories, and support those hurting. The football team invited everyone, saying: “Let’s come together as a family, lift each other up, and show love to all who are hurting.”
As the community comes to grips with this loss, stories continue to emerge about Axel’s impact. Teachers recall his respectful, engaged presence in class, and classmates remember how he never missed a chance to check in on a friend. His ability to make people feel valued and his genuine humility stood out in everyday school life. His passing has left a deep ache, but also a reminder of what one caring individual can mean.
In the coming days, the EHS community will lean on each other—holding space for grief, sharing laughter over memories, and walking together in the shadow of this sudden goodbye. The football field, the school corridors, the stands where students cheered—those places will all carry Axel’s imprint for years to come.
Axel Stammen may no longer share his laughter with his teammates, but his spirit is very much alive—in the kindness he showed, the friendships he built and the example he set. His memory now acts as a guiding light: be kinder, be present, reach out. To Axel: thank you for everything you gave this school and this town. You will be missed—and you will not be forgotten.