The circumstances of the young man’s death remain unknown, while his former coach and significant other reflect on his life following the heartbreaking news.
Aiden Hernandez, who had just finished high school and was about to become a father, died after a tree fell on him in a workplace accident.
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office reportedly shared that they responded to a job site on Escondido Road on May 29, 2025. A tree branch had fallen on Hernandez. Despite efforts to revive him with CPR, he was declared dead at the scene. What exactly caused the accident remains uncertain.
The devastating news left many shaken, especially those who knew Hernandez well. Chad Drummond, his former football coach, remembered him as “an incredible young man” with “great energy” and “a smile that would just melt your heart.”
Drummond recalled the young athlete’s strong spirit and determination, even as a child and admitted the loss hit him hard:
“It dropped me to the floor. I don’t know if I’ve still accepted it.”
He also spoke about Hernandez’s close family, “You will not find a closer family from when he was little until he graduated.” No matter the occasion, they always stood by one another. “They supported each other from morning to night,” Drummond said. “It is absolutely a catastrophic loss.”
The pain of losing Hernandez runs deep for many, especially for those who shared their lives closely with him. He was looking forward to becoming a father with his longtime girlfriend, Michaela Boring, who honored him with a heartfelt tribute on his memorial page.
“Aiden was three things to me, my best-friend, the love of my life and my baby’s dad,” she wrote. “He’s the guy that you can’t put just one label on because he was much more than that. A son, a friend, a brother. All things that could label him as well.”
Boring shared how Hernandez always went the extra mile for others — bringing leftover food from work to friends, making long drives to help someone out, or waking up early to lend a hand even when he was exhausted. She added:
“You would never know if you weren’t his best-friend because he treated everyone like they were.”
The mom-to-be also mentioned the things he loved most: his family, his friends, football, MJ, and milk. “[…] And I hope that when we leave here today everyone goes and has a cup of milk for my boy,” she penned. Ending her message with emotion, Boring said:
“I never thought that the time I got up to talk about Aiden would be here… I just ask that everyone can take time to say I love you to people around them, treat everyone the way Aiden would and not take anything for granted.”
Boring’s words captured the deep pain of losing someone so dear, yet her memories showed just how deeply Hernandez loved. On the same day he passed, the 19-year-old shared photos of him and Boring holding her baby bump. He wrote:
“I have no words for how much I love this woman, and for what we have coming! I’m forever grateful and I count the days down till we can meet little Zi, [Zion].”
Those touching words now echo in the hearts of many, as the memories of Hernandez continue to shine through the stories told by his loved ones. The athlete was born on June 12, 2005, in Colorado Springs to Amber and Alex Hernandez.
He grew up in Woodland Park and went to Woodland Park High School. On the football field, he was known as “The Beast” for his strength, drive, and heart. At home, his family saw him as their star — always working hard and giving his all.
To those closest to him, he was “Ena.” His smile and energy filled every room. He shared a strong bond with his sister, Alexandrea Hernandez, and looked forward to meeting his niece, Aaliyah. He had a big family and many friends who all felt lucky to know him.
Hernandez also loved adventure. From cliff jumping and mountain hikes to swimming across Pueblo Reservoir, he lived boldly. Even during tough times, he stayed focused on helping others and enjoying every day.
