March 2, 2013

Titan Nick Hurtado loses battle with bone cancer

Cal State Fullerton is mourning the loss of Nick Hurtado, who passed away on Friday at the age of 21 after battling bone cancer.

A 2010 graduate of Corona Santiago High School in Corona, Calif., Hurtado signed with the Titans in 2009 as a junior. Prior to his senior season, Hurtado was diagnosed with cancer after being hit by a ball in the knee in preseason. He made his only appearance as a senior on March 5, 2010, throwing one pitch in the opener days before his treatment began. Hurtado was 4-2 as a sophomore with a 1.98 ERA and 3-2 during his junior season with 29 strikeouts in 29.1 innings.

Hurtado was with the Titans during the 2012 season, but sat out during treatment and recovery. He was not able to join the team in 2013.

The Titans released the following statement on Saturday:

“The world lost an amazing person last night. We will forever remember his genuine love for the people around him, and for life itself. He was the ultimate friend, and we hope we can grow, and be half the person he was. He touched the lives of so many people with his compassion and unyielding positive attitude. He will be in our hearts every single day.”