Sad News: The NYC/NJ Paintball team has just received the collapse of their player and coach on the pitch as the year 2025 begins.
As the year 2025 kicked off, a wave of shock and sorrow swept over the paintball community as the NYC/NJ Paintball team was struck by an unimaginable tragedy. The team’s beloved player and coach collapsed on the pitch, leaving fans, teammates, and the entire paintball world in disbelief.
The incident occurred during the first official training session of the year, held on January 1st, at the team’s practice facility located in New Jersey. The morning had started like any other—excitement in the air, anticipation for the new season, and a sense of camaraderie among the players. However, that sense of joy quickly turned to horror when the team’s coach, Michael “Mike” Harris, and star player, Daniel “Danny” Torres, suddenly collapsed on the field.
A Community in Shock
Mike Harris, who had been coaching the NYC/NJ Paintball team for the past five years, was well-respected within the community. Known for his strategic mind, his calming presence, and his mentorship, Harris was a central figure in the team’s growth and success. Meanwhile, Danny Torres, only 24 years old, had recently been hailed as one of the brightest young talents in the sport. His impressive skill set and his ability to inspire those around him made him not just a player, but a leader for the team.
Witnesses to the tragic event described the moment as surreal. “We were in the middle of a drill when Mike suddenly stopped and dropped to one knee,” said player and long-time friend of Harris, Josh “J-Dub” Williams. “At first, we thought he was just tired or maybe something minor, but then Danny dropped right after him. We thought they were just playing around, but then we saw something was very wrong.”
Team members rushed to their side, and the local paramedics were immediately called to the scene. The emergency responders worked swiftly, performing CPR and attempting to stabilize both individuals. However, despite their best efforts, Harris and Torres were pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.
The Cause of the Collapse
The NYC/NJ Paintball team has requested privacy as they grieve the loss of two of their most cherished members. A statement released by the team described the tragedy as a “devastating loss” and requested that supporters honor the memory of Harris and Torres while allowing the team and their families time to process the shock.
“We are heartbroken beyond words,” the statement read. “Mike and Danny were more than just coach and player to us—they were family. They taught us not only how to play paintball but also how to be better people. This is a time of great sorrow for all of us, and we ask that everyone keep their memories alive and support each other through this difficult time.”
Tributes Pour In
The news of Harris and Torres’s untimely deaths quickly spread across social media, where tributes from players, fans, and coaches flooded in. Within hours, hashtags such as #RIPMikeAndDanny and #PaintballFamily began trending worldwide. Many former teammates and competitors from across the country shared their condolences and spoke about the impact that the two men had on their lives and careers.
“We are all family in the paintball community, and we’re all grieving today,” said Emily Novak, a professional paintball player and close friend of Harris. “Mike taught me so much about not only the game but about being a better version of myself. And Danny—he was a rising star. I’m still in shock, just trying to process all of this. My heart goes out to everyone affected.”
The team’s rivals, as well as teams from neighboring leagues, also took to social media to express their sorrow. One of the most heartfelt tributes came from the Philadelphia Phantoms, a rival team in the Northeastern Paintball League, who posted: “We may have been competitors on the field, but off the field, we are all part of the same paintball family. Our thoughts and prayers are with the NYC/NJ team and the families of Mike Harris and Danny Torres. You will not be forgotten.”
An Outpouring of Support for the Families
As news of the tragedy spread, many paintball fans began organizing charity events and memorial tournaments to honor Harris and Torres. Teams from around the country have pledged to donate proceeds from upcoming events to support the families of the fallen coach and player. A GoFundMe page has also been set up to help cover funeral costs and provide financial support to the families during this difficult time.
“Our thoughts are with Mike and Danny’s families, and we hope that these gestures, though small, can help ease some of the pain they are feeling,” said David “D-Money” Thomas, a professional paintball coach who has worked alongside Harris on several occasions. “The entire paintball world is rallying around them right now.”
A Legacy That Will Never Fade
Despite the sorrowful nature of the event, there is a sense of unity and strength emerging within the paintball community. Harris and Torres may no longer be with the team, but their legacies will undoubtedly live on.
In the coming weeks, the NYC/NJ Paintball team plans to hold a memorial service to celebrate the lives of Harris and Torres. Details about the service and upcoming memorial tournaments will be announced as the team prepares to navigate the grief that now hangs over them.
Though the future of the team may seem uncertain in the wake of this tragedy, one thing is clear: the bonds forged on the paintball field, the lessons learned, and the love shared between teammates, fans, and coaches will endure. For now, the paintball community mourns, but it also stands strong in its commitment to remember two of its brightest stars.
As we step into 2025, the sadness of the loss of Michael Harris and Daniel Torres weighs heavily on our hearts, but their contributions to the sport and the indelible mark they left on everyone they encountered will never be forgotten.
