Sports
Foundation Formed In Honor Of Former MD Football Player
The Isaiah Lee Hazel Foundation is dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for young people through scholarships and support.
COLLEGE PARK, MD — The family of former University of Maryland football player Isaiah Hazel, who was killed in a car accident, has started a foundation in his honor.
Created in Hazel's memory following a 2024 car accident that killed him, along with friends Khyree Jackson and Anthony Lytton, Jr., the Isaiah Lee Hazel Foundation is dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for young people through scholarships and financial support, the family stated.
"Isaiah was once a young football player with big dreams, and we know firsthand how much encouragement and support can mean along that journey. It's incredibly meaningful to see his legacy creating opportunities for student athletes who are working hard to build a future for themselves and their families. We couldn't imagine a more fitting way to honor our son," Hazel's parents Aaron and Brenda told Patch.
Find out what's happening in Bowiefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
During the kickoff event at the Terrapins’ Jones-Hill House announcing the foundation, the Hazels awarded its first scholarship.
It went to University of Maryland football walk-on Joshua Simmons and will help cover meal expenses throughout the school year.
Find out what's happening in Bowiefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“Out of love for our son and the way he brought people together, we’re turning our pain into purpose,” Brenda Hazel said. “Isaiah’s joy and kindness impacted so many people, and we wanted to create something that continues helping others in his name.”
Head football coach Michael Locksley’s the Best is Ahead Foundation also presented a donation to the Isaiah Lee Hazel Foundation in support of its mission to provide scholarships to students facing financial barriers and learning differences.
“Isaiah was one of my first recruits at Maryland, and from the moment he arrived, you could feel the energy he brought to the program. What his family is building through this foundation is a powerful reflection of who Isaiah was, and we’re proud to support their mission,” Locksley said at the kickoff event.
“Isaiah was the kind of person who wanted to help everybody,” added Hazel’s father Aaron. “We are so grateful for Coach Locksley’s and Maryland’s support so we can further Isaiah’s impact on others.”
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
