The Texas A&M community mourns the loss of one of its own this holiday season. Senior offensive lineman Joseph Villavisencio, 22, was killed in a head-on collision with an oncoming 18-wheeler Thursday afternoon on Highway 39, south of Normangee, when witnesses said Villavisencio swerved into oncoming traffic to avoid a buzzard in the road, according to an A&M press release. The Aggie football player was on his way home to Jacksonville, Texas.
“The world lost a very special person today,” former Texas A&M head football coach Mike Sherman said. “My heart aches for his mom, dad and sister, all of whom were so dear to him. His teammates, coaches and fellow students will remember him as someone who would do anything for anybody. I will always remember him as always offering me a smile whenever we talked and would always answer my questions with a simple, ‘Yes, coach,’ or ‘No, coach’. He was one of the most respectful and high character players I have ever coached. It was an honor and privilege to have known him, and to have coached him.”
Villavisencio, born Sept. 30, 1989, was affectionately called “Joey V” by friends, coaches and teammates. He spent his last afternoon in College Station with his A&M teammates, voluntarily presenting gifts to children and families at the Twin City Mission in Bryan.
Villavisencio was a radiological health engineering major. He was a four-year letter winner in football, and got his first start on the offensive line in 2008 as a freshman, in a 49-35 A&M victory against Iowa State. Villavisencio saw action in nine games during his career, including two games his senior year.
“Joey V was a tremendous person and a great Aggie,” Texas A&M Director of Athletics Bill Byrne said. “He epitomized selfless service in making Texas A&M a better football team. He was an excellent student and just a great kid. Joey always had a smile on his face and had such a positive influence on everyone. This is a sad day for Texas A&M and our hearts are broken for his family, his teammates and his friends.”
The news of Villavisencio’s death made national news. ESPN aired a brief segment on the loss of the A&M senior’s life, expressing their condolences to the Villavisencio family and Texas A&M community.
Fellow senior football player Tommy Dorman expressed gratitude for his fallen teammate’s friendship in a Facebook status.
“The world lost a great person and a great teammate today. Rest in peace Joey V… we love you, you will be greatly missed,” Dorman wrote.
Funeral services for Villavisencio are scheduled for Monday at 2 p.m. in Jacksonville at First Methodist Church. Burial will be at Still Waters Memorial Gardens, also in Jacksonville.
The A&M offensive line will serve as honorary Pallbearers, alongside Ryan Malaty, Brandon Malaty, Connor Malaty, Ryan Arrington, Jonathan Bullock, Chris Jones, Colten McCown, and Bud Swindler.