Daniel De La Torre obituary, a Former UCLA Track and Field Star and NCAA Qualifier, Passes Away at 29, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Enthusiasm and Excellence.
Daniel De La Torre, a former UCLA track and field athlete and NCAA qualifier, has tragically passed away at the age of 29. The news of his passing has sent shockwaves through the UCLA community, with friends, family, and former coaches expressing their condolences and remembering his infectious enthusiasm and dedication to the sport.
Joanna Hayes, the Sherie L. and Donald G. Morrison UCLA Director of Track & Field/Cross Country, expressed her shock and sadness at hearing of Daniel’s passing. She remembered him as an exceptional athlete and an inspiring individual who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
During his time at UCLA, De La Torre was an NCAA qualifier in both cross country and track & field and a second-team All-American in the 5000m in 2017. He earned numerous academic honors, including 2018 MPSF Indoor Track All-Academic Team honors and a 2017 Pac-12 All-Academic second-team selection for cross country.
De La Torre’s athletic career was marked by numerous achievements, including six CIF individual titles and six league championships. He was the 2012 CIF state cross country champion and held the No. 6 time at UCLA in the 5000m with a personal best of 13:46.14, set in 2017.
Before arriving at UCLA, De La Torre was a standout athlete at La Salle High School, where he set the one-mile record and was named the 2012 Pasadena Sun All-Area Cross Country Athlete of the Year and the Track and Field Athlete of the Year in the spring of his senior season.
De La Torre’s passing has left a void in the lives of those who knew him, but his legacy of enthusiasm and excellence will live on through the countless lives he touched and the memories he created on and off the track.
The UCLA community is grieving the loss of Daniel De La Torre, but they are also celebrating his life and the impact he had on those around him. His memory will continue to inspire and motivate future generations of athletes and individuals who knew him.
In the face of tragedy, the community has come together to support Daniel’s family and friends, offering condolences and sharing stories of his life and legacy.
Daniel De La Torre may be gone, but he will never be forgotten. His infectious enthusiasm, his dedication to his craft, and his inspiring legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
Rest in peace, Daniel De La Torre. Your life was a blessing to those who knew you, and your memory will continue to inspire and motivate generations to come.
