EDGEWOOD, Ky. (LEX 18) — The celebration of life for a beloved former UK football player happened on Wednesday.
Jared Lorenzen died July 3 following a six-day stay in the hospital. Lorenzen was the quarterback of the UK football team and was signed by the New York Giants in 2004. He had openly struggled with his weight and had returned to Lexington to team up with the "Now Let's Get Fit" organization to help kids make healthy lifestyle choices.
All those who interacted with Lorenzen remembered his kindness, jovial humor and humility. Former teammate Derek Smith told LEX 18 that he was grateful for his friendship with the former Mr. Kentucky Football.
"It’s been an honor to be associated with Jared this way, and to know him as well as I did," Smith said.
Mark Stoops never coached Lorenzen, but he was still touched by his good-hearted nature.
"Everybody I know that was close to him just had nothing but good things to say about him so we're gonna miss him," Stoops said.
Lorenzen was 38 years old and leaves behind two children.
The celebration of his life lasted until 6 p.m. and was followed by a burial service at 6 p.m. at St. Pius X Church in Edgewood, Kentucky.
At the celebration, Lorenzen's former Highlands and UK teammate Derek Smith said, "It was an honor to be associated with him in this way." A line for the visitation started forming 75 minutes before the scheduled start time.
A lot of people had great things to say about Lorenzen and the life he lived:
"When you're dealing with someone as unique as him, you rarely find a guy that talented and cares that much for people." - Derrick Johnson, Lorenzen's former teammate
"He was always in a good mood. Always had a smile on his face. He was always positive." - Dougie Allen, Lorenzen's former teammate
"It'll be a long time before you find another one like him." - Terry Conley, Lorenzen's uncle
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, please donate to any of the following:
* St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105
* Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center for Better Health and Nutrition P.O. Box 5202 Cincinnati, OH 45201-5202
* United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation 8085 Saltsburg Rd. Suite 201 Pittsburgh, PA 15239.
Part of the program being given out at the celebration of life for #jaredlorenzen @LEX18News @UKFootball pic.twitter.com/rEozFHO0JS
— Michael Berk (@LEX18_Michael) July 10, 2019
