Odin Hensley, a varsity lineman who wore No. 75, collapsed during practice on Monday, Aug. 10, and was airlifted by Travis County STAR Flight to Dell Children’s Medical Center, where he was placed in intensive care. Doctors were concerned about potential damage to his brain and organs, and his parents remained at his bedside around the clock while missing work.
The GoFundMe was created to help cover hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost income for his parents, Christina and Joshua Hensley, while they focused on their son’s care. The fundraiser is still open and has raised $188,000 toward a $250,000 goal.
Community Rallies Before Death Announced
Before his death was confirmed, faith leaders and rival football programs had already begun rallying around Hensley and his family. Lake Hills Church hosted a prayer vigil, which drew members of both the Lake Travis and Westlake football teams, attendee Scott Rodgers said in a Facebook post of his own. Rodgers wrote that seeing the two rival teams unite was “a class act” and cited a Bible passage about comfort in suffering.
Family Confirms Death
An update posted to the GoFundMe page announced that Hensley had died, stating organizers were sharing the news “with unimaginable heartbreak.” The update thanked donors and said the campaign would continue to help the family cover medical, funeral, and other expenses.
Tributes Pour In From Rival Programs
News of Hensley’s death prompted condolences from football booster clubs across the region. The East View Football Booster Club posted twice on social media, first offering condolences “on behalf of the entire East View Football family” and signing off with “Fly high, #75,” and later urging its own community to support the Hensley family through prayer, sharing, and donations.
Political Figure Offers Condolences
Texas state Rep. Vikki Goodwin, the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor, also issued a statement mourning Hensley. Goodwin described him as a wrestler and football lineman whose coaches called him kind and whose teachers called him determined. She wrote that she did not know Hensley personally but understood what it meant for “a team to lose a teammate” and “a school to lose one of its own.” Goodwin closed her statement by addressing Hensley directly, writing, “Rest easy, Odin. Lake Travis will carry you.”
