In a heartfelt story, a GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to honor the final wish of Army veteran Randy Santiago Cruz, a devoted Seattle Seahawks supporter who passed away just days before his team competed in Super Bowl LX.
Randy Santiago Cruz, aged 72 and residing in southwest Washington, received national attention when the Seattle Seahawks sent him a “Salute to Service” care package while he was in hospice care. According to a report by FOX 13 Seattle on February 16, Cruz was hopeful to witness the Seahawks’ victory on February 8 against the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Unfortunately, he passed away two days before the game.
Cruz’s family is now striving to fulfill his dying wish to be laid to rest in Puerto Rico, alongside his parents and brothers. The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover the expenses of transporting him back home, as noted on the fundraising page.
Military.com has reached out to the Seattle Seahawks, the National Football League, and Cruz’s family for their comments on this matter.
In late January, reports highlighted Cruz’s determination to see the Seahawks make it to Super Bowl LX. As he received hospice care in southwest Washington, he watched his favorite team’s playoff journey unfold from his bed.
The Seahawks responded with a “Salute to Service” care package, part of an initiative recognizing military service and supporting military community programs. This package contained team memorabilia and military-themed items, which family members said uplifted Cruz’s spirits significantly. His hospice room was filled with Seahawks colors as the team progressed through the postseason.
His Final Wish Was to Go Home
Cruz expressed to his family his desire to be buried in Puerto Rico next to his parents and brothers. The journey from Washington to Puerto Rico involves considerable planning and expenses. To support this endeavor, his family set up a GoFundMe campaign to gather the necessary funds for his transportation and burial.
Seahawks fans later congregated in downtown Seattle to celebrate the team’s Super Bowl appearance with a world championship parade. FOX spoke with Cruz’s son, Zachariah, who shared insights into his father’s unwavering loyalty to the Seahawks.
Veterans in need of end-of-life support can access hospice and palliative care services through the Department of Veterans Affairs, provided they meet eligibility criteria. Options include Community Living Centers among other facilities. For more information, visit the VA benefits nursing home care page.
