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Bel Air Comes to Grips With 17-Year-Old's Death

BEL AIR, Md. (WJZ)-- Gone too soon. The town of Bel Air is trying to come to grips with the loss of a 17-year-old student.

Isaac Pfarr was a football player at Patterson Mill High School. After his sudden death, he was honored in a special way Thursday night. Emotional night to say the least, where two teams put football to the side for a play and gave Pfarr one more moment under the lights.

It's the easiest penalty Patterson Mill High School football will ever take. A reminder of just how fragile life can be.

"He was my brother, I love him and I miss him," said Aaron Pfarr, Issac's brother.

It's been a whirlwind of emotions for the entire town of Bel Air. On Sunday, 17-year-old Issac Pfarr, a junior football player at Patterson Mill High School, died after suffering a seizure. His family and teammates were left stunned.

"The first thing that went through my mind, is you're kidding, this has to be some kind of joke," said Aaron.

On Thursday night, the team took the field against Rising Sun with heavy hearts and #57 decals on their helmets.

For the first play of the game, Patterson Mill sent only 10 players onto the field, leaving Issac's spot on the offensive line empty. The result a delay of game that was declined.

And not a dry eye on the field.

"He was a team player, he had a big heart, and he gave it all that he had," said Aaron.

Issac's family says he loved more than just football, he also had a strong passion for policing. His dad is a sergeant with the Bel Air Police Department and the 17-year-old was also involved.

"The amount of emotion was overwhelming, just disbelief," said Officer Rick Krause.

Krause watched Issac grow in the department's youth explorer program.

"Gentle giant, sweet kid, great spirit, cared about everyone," said Krause.

A teammate that will never be forgotten and a legacy that will only grow stronger.

Issac's family says the 17-year-old has battled seizure complications for the last 3 years. The medical examiner's office says the exact cause of Issac's death is under investigation.

If you're interesting in donating to the family, they have a go-fund-me page in honor of Issac.

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