MCALLEN - A family and community of Pharr are mourning the loss of a son, friend and teammate.

Gerardo “Jerry” Rodriguez, 16, was killed during a home invasion after three masked men stormed his uncle’s home and shot the two last week.

Memorial High School coach Eduardo Calderon said Jerry was a goalie protecting his teammates on and off the field.

“I hope he stops a lot of goals in heaven,” he said.

Teammate Jesus Rodriguez remembers the help he received from Jerry.

“The things he told me were that it was going to be okay, just as he would take care of us outside the field. He was going to be there for me in the field if I ever messed up,” he said.

Both his coach and teammate didn’t believe Jerry was one of the victims in the home invasion.

“I just couldn’t take in that a person like him had passed away,” Rodriguez said.

They hope authorities continue to do their job and find justice.

“I just want to say that to everybody pray for Jerry and their family to keep them in out prayer and always be there for what they need,” the student said.

Jerry’s uncle is currently recovering at home.

The three suspects are still on the run.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Pharr Crime Stoppers at 956-787-8477.