High School Honors Former Player Killed By Venice Lightning Strike
SHERMAN OAKS (CBSLA.com) — A San Fernando Valley couple whose son was killed in a lightning strike near Venice Beach pier last summer was on hand as his former high school baseball team honored him during its alumni game on Saturday.
CBS2's Adrianna Weingold spoke with Nick Fagnano's parents about the legacy of their only child, a Notre Dame graduate and baseball player who was soon to be a USC Trojan. On Saturday, his memory lived on with every pitch.
"We couldn't just go back to work, this was our son, this was our only child," said Nick's dad, Jay Fagnano.
"I never imagined that I would have a day like this, as any mother could I'm sure relate to," added Nick's mom, Mary Fagnano.
Now, less than a year since the accident that took their son away forever, the Fagnano family is pushing forward, with a little help from their Notre Dame family, USC family and the entire community.
"There was no time when he was happier than when he wore the Notre Dame baseball uniform, so after this happened Notre Dame immediately embraced us," Nick's dad said.
At the game, 46th District Assemblyman Sam Nazarian presented the Fagnanos with a memorial resolution. They also received their son's jersey, number 48.
The proud parents started several scholarships, an endowment at USC's Price School of Public Policy, and the Thrive in Joy Nick Fagnano Foundation to raise money for underprivileged children in the Dominican Republic, a cause Nick championed throughout his life.
"We are carrying forth his name and his legacy, what he would have done had this not happened," Nick's dad said.
The Fagnano family says they're in the process of setting up even more scholarships to honor their son.
