Nov 11, 2006 11:01 pm US/Eastern
Hurricanes Play In Memory Of Teammate
Funeral For Bryan Pata Scheduled For Tuesday
by Shomari Stone
CORAL GABLES (CBS4) ―
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University of Miami player, 22-year-old Bryan Pata, was shot and killed Tuesday
AP
The University of Miami Hurricanes took on the Maryland Terrapins in College Park Saturday amidst their grief over losing one of their own earlier in the week.
Even though the Canes lost 14-13 to the Terps, the team was nonetheless playing for defensive lineman Bryan Pata who was murdered Tuesday evening in Miami, because they say, that's what Pata would've wanted. This was the first game the team has played since his murder. Hurricane players wore Pata's number, 95, on their helmets in tribute to him Saturday afternoon.
Miami-Dade police found Bryan Pata's body Tuesday night at the Colony apartment complex on Southwest 77th Avenue in Kendall. Authorities say Bryan was shot to death and a family friend believes it was associated with some type of dispute.
CBS4's
Shomari Stone spoke to students and fans at Gameworks in South Miami who normally gather to cheer on the Hurricanes. This week, he said, the mood was somber as fans grieved the senseless death of a young man with such promise.
"It's tough," former UM player, Lamar Thomas told CBS4. "It's tough losing a friend and teammater. For some of these players, it's their first time dealing with death."
Carmen Fanego told CBS4, "it's not about a ring or winning it's about paying tribute to his memory."
Bryan's brother Edwin said his family forgives whoever is responsible for taking the NFL-hopeful away from them.
Police are asking for the public's help and offering $1000 reward, but so far no suspects are in custody and police are not aware of a motive in the case.
Pata's sister told CBS4 that her brother's funeral is scheduled to be held Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. at New Birth Baptist Church, 2300 NW 135th Street in Northwest Miami-Dade. The funeral is open to the public, but the family asks that participants act accordingly as this is an event to pay tribute their loved one.
Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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