Father Speaks Out About Son's Death

By Jeffrey Smith, News On 6

UNDATED -- A day after burying his teenage son, a father is speaking out.

Eddie Ledesma was beaten unconscious after a church league soccer game and he was taken off life support earlier this week.

Edurdo Ledesma says his son was the light of his life and inspired everyone who knew him. He hopes talking about Eddie will send a powerful message, that violence is never the answer.

"I'm very, very proud of him. Because even though I lost a child on Earth, I know that he is very, very secure in heaven," said Edurdo Ledesma.

Just one day after burying his 16-year-old son, Edurdo Ledesma is speaking out about the sadness.

"Eddie was always our greatest joy, and our greatest pride. He was our light," said Edurdo Ledesma.

Edurdo says soccer was Eddie's life. He played on three different area teams, including Bixby's varsity squad.

His coaches say he had a special gift.

"He had a lot of potential. He would have gone on to play at the next level if he had wanted that opportunity," said Ryan Bush, Eddie's soccer coach.

Eddie dreamed of playing in the Olympics wearing the red, white and blue.

"Eddie was always my inspiration. He was like my little motor to keep me going," said Edurdo Ledesma.

After a weekend church league game, Eddie was taking off his cleats when police say another teen ran onto the field and punched Eddie repeatedly in the head. 16-year-old Edgar Saucedo was arrested for the crime.

Ledesma says his house is no home without his boy.

"Right here, right where I'm sitting right now, is where I'd always wait for him when he'd go out to a party or something," said Edurdo Ledesma.

Eddie was taken off life support four days ago. Ledesma says he was on his way to that soccer game after work, when he got word his son was at the hospital instead.

"I feel indiginified. But I believe and I trust in justice," said Ledesma.

And he says his spirit will live on forever.

"My son, my son is never going to leave me. Because he's always going to be in my heart, and in my mind," said Ledesma.

16-year-old Edgar Saucedo has been charged with second-degree murder.

Edurdo Ledesma says his family is struggling with funeral costs. If you would like to help with the Ledesma Family Fund, you can make donations at the Citizens Security Bank in Bixby.

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