FL Running Community Mourns Loss of Columbus HS Alumnus


The South Florida running community is mourning the loss of a special member. 

Daniel "Danny" Quesada, an alumnus of Christopher Columbus HS, passed away September 24 after fighting a strong battle with Cystic Fibrosis.

His family took to Instagram to announce the news to thousands of followers who have played a pivotal role in Quesada's race for a double lung transplant. 


"The mark you left on this earth in your short 18 years is incredible. You taught us all what persistence, perseverance, determination, and passion are. Your smile lit up a room. You were a son, brother, friend, nephew and teammate that left zero doubt of the man you became, an example to all," Quesada's family wrote. 

Quesada was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic disease that impacts the lungs often resulting in frequent life threatening infections, at a very young age. When CF sidelined him from his junior cross country season nearly three years ago, Coach Eric Pino and the Christopher Columbus cross country staff named him as an assistant coach for the team -- "Coach DQ."


Coach DQ shined in his role as an athlete, coach, teammate, and fighter in his race for a double lung transplant. He left an impactful mark on the lives that he touched.