James Salles’ death has been deeply felt by the Utica University community. According to those who knew him, he was a somebody you could always rely on in difficult times and always managed to brighten up a room. 

His loss has been especially felt by his football teammates and close friends. 

A close friend of Salles’ said he was passionate about football and brought that passion to his health and physical education studies with aspirations of being a coach. 

“Not only was he passionate towards football, he cared deeply for his family, friends, and teammates,” his friend said. “He was a genuine person, who always looked out for others. He always knew how to light up a room and make people laugh, especially with constant antics and dance moves.” 

Marco Baez, one of his teammates, knew Salles for two years and said he was “overall a great person.” 

“James was a very happy kid,” Baez said. “On the field, he was a great teammate and player. I also had a class with him and he was a great classmate.” 

Blaise Faggiano, the head football coach, said Salles “was fun to be around and was loved by his teammates.” “He found success on the field and in the classroom and was proud of his accomplishments,” Faggiano said. “We will certainly recognize him in the future. There are some great ideas that have come from his teammates.”

His close friend recalls his favorite memory with him. 

“One of my favorite memories was when I was driving him to our football banquet and he couldn’t get the top bottom of his dress shirt buttoned and he was getting very angry and yelling about how big his head was,” he said. 

Baez said that his favorite memory of Salles was the day before the accident. 

“He gave a speech out to the team of how much he loves it here, how much he loves the team, how he loves his teammates,” Baez said. “I probably say that’s my favorite memory of him. As it happened the day before the accident.” 

Baez explained that many had faith in Salles and supported him the week after the accident. 

“We went to the hospital to give support,” Baez said. “His parents were touched by how many people loved james.” 

David Fontaine, director of athletics and physical education, said that they are truly saddened by the loss of Salles. 

“Although we cherish the positive memories James left with us, his absence leaves an unfillable void,” Fontaine said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Salles family as they go through this challenging time.”