Braddock Road Youth Club mourns the sudden passing of Christopher C. Heasly, a referee for BRYC since he was first certified in 1999.

On the morning of Saturday, April 13th, Chris collapsed 50 feet from the finish line of a five kilometer race at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. EMS personnel at the scene and off-duty EMS providers participating in the race administered CPR almost immediately. Chris was flown to the Outer Banks Hospital, but could not be revived.

As a referee, Chris was known for his tremendous ability to manage and guide players and coaches, before people skills became as important to officiating as enforcement of the Laws of the Game BRYC Refree Director John Davis recalls quite a few conversations with Chris about phrases and gestures that he used which worked well in difficult officiating situations. He always brought a smile with him to the field, and made every referee proud to be a member of his officiating team. His mentoring of BRYC’s referees, young and old, will be very much missed.

Chris is survived by his wife, Patrice, and three adult children, daughters Kathryn and Carolyn, and son Chris who was also a player and referee with BRYC.