Norman Kasser, his godfather and family spokesman, said that Edwin's
mother, Julia O. Chávez-Carr, once served in the Army and his father,
Gerson Carr, was in the Air Force.Chávez-Carr, 16, an Alburquerque High School 170-pound football player, died of unknownn causes sometime Friday night. The Office of Medical Investigator could not be reached for comment.
He played as the Bulldogs, (1-7), were beaten 57-0 by Manzano last Thursday. Chávez-Carr attended classes the following day and died in his sleep that night. Chávez-Carr was an active member of his high school's JROTC and MESA groups.
His football teammates and members of his JROTC unit were pallbearers as many people attended an emotional memorial service Tuesday at Congregation B'nai Israel with Rabbi Isaac H. Celnik and Cantor Josh Perlman officiating.
"His primary concern in life was to look after me and his sister, Melanie," said his mother.
Chávez-Carr, a 5-10 junior, was recognized with a moment of silence prior to Thursday's AHS-Valley football game at Milne Stadium. His, teammates, who had retired his locker in a moving ceremony, wore black arm bands and had his No. 70 painted on the back of their helmets.
"He was a hard-working kid. He never gave up he never complained," said his coach, Dick Archuleta. "He was not a big kid and played on the line against a lot of big players. "These things aren't supposed to happen but it did. We have to try to deal with it one day at a time. He will be missed."
Chávez-Carr, an honors student, was a starting center and defensive end. He had lettered as a starting center as a sophomore. Chávez-Carr also lettered in varsity wrestling last spring.
"He was like a son to me," said his favorite uncle, David Chávez. "He liked to be around and help me in whatever I did." Chávez-Carr, who had many interests, was a dedicated student at his Synagogue where studied his Jewish faith, said Kasser. He enjoyed theological discussion with family members.
Chávez-Carr played the trumpet when he attended Jefferson Middle School. He cnjoyed classical, pop and rock music and some Spanish tunes. He also sang and played a part in a school play there.
Born in Alburquerque, Chávez-Carr attended Yaveneh, a Jewish day school when he lived in Cincinnati, Ohio. He attended Longfellow Elementary School here before going to Jefferson Mid School and Alburquerque High School.
Survivors include his mother Julia O. Chávez-Carr of Alburquerque, his Father Gerson Carr of Cleveland, Ohio, two sisters Melanie Chávez-Carr, of Alburquerque and Laura Carr of Kentucky, half-sisters Cheryl Carr of New Jersey, a half-brother Ari Carr of Kentucky, four uncles Mike, the husband of Tomi Chávez, Greg, the husband of JoAnn Chávez, David, the husband of Celina Chávez and Joseph Chávez, all of Alburquerque, and several cousins.