Chris AkundA

Sept 8, 1996- June 6, 2009

Chris Akunda currently played soccer in the travel program for Fishers Soccer club in the U 13 boys age division. He was 12 years old, but was playing up in his league due to his dedication and skills. Chris Akunda loved soccer. His life long goal was to play in the European soccer league and he worked toward that all the time.

He was a seventh grader at Hamilton Southeastern junior high where he was in advanced classes and excelled as a student. Responses from the community have been that Chris was full of life, had a great smile, great sense of humor and we have repeatedly heard that he loved soccer.

He was involved in the ODP (olympic development program) for soccer since 2007.  He started playing soccer in North Carolina when he was four years old and has not stopped since then.

The Akunda's are originally from Kenya and came here 14 years ago to attend grad school. When they were in grad school Chris was born. They have lived in Fishers for five years.

Chris also played basketball for our local recreational league. He also played the piano.  He had a passion for learning about foods and watched the food channel when no sports were showing.    

Since Chris's death they have found out that he had a hereditary condition (awaiting confirmation of diagnosis) where a muscular part of the heart grows too big and gets in the way causing shortness of breath, chest pain, and syncope. It is a common cause of sudden death in young males. His parents were not aware of his condition, nor were there any indications of any health problems for Chris.  

Chris has been with his current travel soccer team for two years. They were playing their last tournament of the season this weekend. In addition to his own team, Chris helped out many other teams as a substitute player and was always willing to help.

His team got together on Sunday afternoon for an hour with their parents at Brooks School park to share in their grief. They shared stories of Chris, wrote down fun memories and letters to him and and let off balloons together. And then of course, they played soccer.