Rio Rancho community mourns the loss of up-and-coming high school football star

RIO RANCHO, N.M. (KRQE) – A community is in mourning after an up-and-coming football star was killed and his family is still searching for answers. Monday night, the Rio Rancho community came together to honor his life.

Story continues below

Rio Rancho police responded to a shooting on October 30 on Inca and second. They found 15-year-old Adrian Maestas with a gunshot wound to the head. He was taken to the hospital where he died from his injuries two days later.

The community on Monday came together to remember who he was, packing Cabazon Park in Rio Rancho. "He was close to everyone, man. He made everyone feel like home. It's like, if you knew him, he was like a brother to you and to him too."

Friends of Adrian described him as kind and funny

"Like, always laughing, always smiling. Making people happy."

"The kid was always happy, like no matter what he was going through."

Others said he was impressive on the football field. "He was a special individual. Talented young man who, when it's time to work, he got to work.And he was passionate about everything he do. Taught me how to be an inspiration."

KRQE News 13 reached out to the Rio Rancho Police Department to ask for more information on what happened or if they have a suspect we have not heard back.

If you have any information regarding this investigation, police ask that you contact Detective Arion Hayes at .