[img]447|left|Damien White||no_popup[/img] Damien White, who graduated from Culver City High School two years ago and dreamed of making his athletic exploits write blazing headlines, lost his life early Sunday morning.
Police say Mr. White was driving near the intersection of Western Avenue and 57th Street a little after 1 o’clock when he was struck and killed by gunfire.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mr. White was an outstanding football player at Culver High, where he also competed in track and field.
One of the better football players of the decade,” one follower of the team told the newspaper.
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Photos by George Laase
Former teammates, shocked and in mourning, gathered near the football field last evening to honor their friend.
Mr. White earned a scholarship to the University of Minnesota. Later he returned to Southern California where he was planning to resume his football career at El Camino College.
Culver High Athletic Director Jerry Chabola said that “Damien was one of those young people who worked very hard to succeed academically.”
In his eventful senior season at Culver High, Mr. White set the school record for longest kickoff return, 95 yards against Santa Monica High School.
As a wide receiver, he was named to the All-CIF Western Division team as a in 2006.
According to last year’s football program, Mr. White had a breakout season his senior year, helping the Centaurs win the Ocean League championship.
He caught 64 passes, making him one of the all-time leading receivers in school history.
He is third in all-time receptions for one season with the 64 catches and third in career touchdown receptions with 21.
His 1,166 yards gained in 2006 is third all-time for yards per season.
