Cameron Christian touched the lives of many.
Whether they were his baseball and football teammates, classmates or the children he worked with as a volunteer for the Boys and Girls Club, Christian had a smile for everyone.
Friends and family of Christian, 22, who died in a car accident early Sunday in Idaho, will honor the life of the 2007 Auburn High School graduate and sports star at a memorial service Saturday. The tribute begins at 11 a.m. at the Auburn Performing Arts Center, 700 E. Main St.
“The Auburn High School athletic community is shocked and saddened by Cam’s tragic and untimely death,” said Auburn football coach Gordon Elliott. “Cam was a very accomplished athlete in football and baseball. However, Cam’s legacy is that he truly embodied the competitive spirit and strength of character that we attempt to instill in our student-athletes.”
According to Idaho State Police, Christian was traveling in his 2003 Toyota Camry westbound on Highway 2 at about 12:30 a.m. just east of Priest River at milepost 7, when he evasively steered for an unknown reason and over corrected. He went in to a side-slide over the eastbound lane and off the road. The vehicle then overturned and struck a tree.
According to police, alcohol was not a factor and he was wearing a seat belt.
Christian was born on Feb. 7, 1989 in Renton. According to family, he came into the world a fighter – being pronounced a “miracle birth” by the doctor.
He lived life fully, swinging a bat, carrying his mitt, tossing a ball, looking for a game – smiling and always laughing.
Christian had a stellar high school career that included two years as a starter on the Auburn football squad and three years on the baseball team. He earned all-state honors as a left-handed pitcher and helped the Trojans finish second at the state 4A and 3A playoffs in 2006 and 2007, respectively.
Christian attended Washington State University and Spokane Falls Community College before transferring to Seattle University as a junior last year. He was a Redhawks’ co-captain.
“Cam was more than a leader for our SU baseball program,” coach Donny Harrel said. “He was a heavy influence in our community and in our charity work. We did not just lose a baseball player – we lost a human being who was and is an asset to society. Cam Christian will always be with us, and his words of wisdom through his leadership role will carry us through this tough time.”
Seattle University will honor Christian with a memorial tentatively planned for next week.
Christian was a senior history major at Seattle U with a goal to become a middle school history teacher and someday, a college coach. His first dream was to make the majors.
Christian attended Northwest Family Church (formerly Calvary Temple), was on numerous baseball teams throughout the region and was a volunteer for the Boys and Girls Club where he spent time with a special 5-year-old boy battling brain cancer.
He is survived by his parents, Lynn and Debbie Christian, his brother, Tyler (Rebecca), a niece, Abby, sister Kyara and his faithful dog, Sport. Also his grandparents, Larry and LeAuna Christian of Spokane, and Jim and Ethy Stevens of Snohomish; uncle Don (Julie) Stevens, Spokane, uncle Dan (Lori) Stevens, Snohomish; aunt Cyndy (Ken) Nance, Lake Stevens and cousins Lindsay, Travis, Janelle, Andrea, Randi and Regan, and Trey. He was preceded in death by his (maternal) grandmother, Phyllis Stevens.
A memorial fund has been set up at Valley Bank at 1001 D St. N.E. in Auburn. Donations to the fund, as well as proceeds from the sale of commemorative T-shirts, will go toward youth baseball camps and equipment for young players.
