A West Palm Beach police officer and former Florida Atlantic Owls football player passed away early on Sunday last week.
Joshua Ballesteros was a 30-year-old police officer who did not survive a single-vehicle crash after his car was reportedly found upside down in a canal.
The crash involving the death of police officer and former Florida Atlantic Owls football player Joshua Ballesteros is still under investigation
Ballesteros, who was found in a 2017 Ford Fusion, was removed from his overturned vehicle by fellow officers at around 5:30 a.m. Sunday.
According to authorities, Ballesteros died later that Sunday after being taken to St. Mary’s Medical Center. The fatal accident took place while Ballesteros was off duty.
The crash involving Ballesteros is still under investigation. Police said traffic homicide investigators still do not know why Ballesteros’ Ford Fusion drifted off of the road and hit a guardrail. The impact with the guardrail caused Ballesteros’ Ford Fusion to hit a tree and roll over into the canal.
Police officer Joshua Ballesteros was a defensive lineman for Florida Atlantic
Before serving as a West Palm Beach police officer for six years, Ballesteros played defensive line for the Florida Atlantic Owls from 2012 to 2015.
Ballesteros, who came out of Miami Central High School, played under head coaches Carl Pelini, Brian Wright and Charlie Partridge. He graduated shortly before the Owls hired Lane Kiffin as a head coach for a few years.
The Florida Atlantic athletic department issued a statement in regards to Ballesteros’ untimely death in an article from Yahoo.
“Josh was everything you could ask for as an alumnus of this university and our football program,” the FAU athletic department and football program said in a joint statement.
“He was a model student-athlete and teammate, an incredible family man and an upstanding member of the West Palm Beach community as a law enforcement officer. Our hearts go out to the entire Ballesteros family. They are in our thoughts at this difficult time.”
Condolences for police officer and former Florida Atlantic defensive lineman Joshua Ballesteros flooded social media
Florida Atlantic football and its fan base took to social media to support the Ballesteros family upon hearing the news of his death.
The Florida Atlantic social media account even provided a link to a GoFundMe that was set up to assist the Ballesteros family.
Joshua Ballesteros is survived by his fiance Glen’Tisha Johnson, who explained the type of person Ballesteros was. The GoFundMe has raised over $38,000.
“Joshua embodied the essence of love and care as a devoted father, son, big brother, and role model. His selflessness knew no bounds, always prioritizing the well-being of others over his own. Every room he entered lit up with the warmth of his protective presence.
“His infectious smile and words of wisdom served as a balm to every weary soul he encountered, offering solace and comfort in times of need,” Johnson wrote.
“Joshua’s impact stretched far and wide, leaving an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to cross his path. His heart overflowed with compassion, extending even to the smallest creatures, as he cherished his pets as beloved family members.
“With a disciplined and perfectionist spirit, he approached life with determination and a keen ability to learn and adapt swiftly. Joshua was the unwavering shield and unwavering provider for his family, embodying love and dedication in every possible way.”
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