Former Football Standout, Rafael Hidalgo Passes Away at 26

CONTACT: Adam Sopris, a.sopris@hvcc.edu, 518-629-7898 or 518-416-2137
FOR RELEASE: Immediate, Wednesday, April 20, 2022

With deep sadness, the Hudson Valley Community College athletics department was made aware of the passing of former Vikings football star, Rafael Hidalgo, on Sunday at the age of 26. 

Hidalgo was the Vikings quarterback from 2014-16, under former head coach Mike Muehling, and led the Vikings to their first bowl game since 2003, the Salt City Bowl following a successful season with an 8-2 record. Hidalgo led the nationally ranked Vikings with 1,323 passing yards and 12 total touchdowns (three rushing). Hidalgo finished his career with 2,597 passing yards and 28 total touchdowns during his two-year career. 

"My deepest condolences go out to Rafael's family and loved ones. He had a smile that could light up a room, said Justin Hoyt, Hudson Valley Director of Athletics. "During my time here, I don't think that we have had a student-athlete that has had such a profound impact on this campus community. Through the strong relationships that he developed during and after his time here, he was always happy and wanted everyone around him to be happy. He was the model student-athlete that you look for to represent your program, department, and institution. This one hurts...It was an honor and pleasure to know Rafael on and off the field. He will deeply be missed."

"Rafael was the type of player every coach wants to have on their team. He was always smiling, he had an infectious attitude that made everyone around him better," said former football head coach Mike Muehling. "He was a leader, an over-achiever, a smart player, and an amazing person. We would not have been the same team those two years without him. We are all better for having known him, and all have a void for having lost him. The news of his passing is absolutely heartbreaking and has affected every single person who's ever known him."

Following graduation from Hudson Valley, the Brooklyn native went on to play wide receiver at the University of New Mexico from 2016-2018, where he went from a walk-on to earning a scholarship and was part of the 2016 Gildan New Mexico Bowl winning team. 

Hidalgo went on to continue his football career in Spain where he grew into a star receiver with the Barcelona Dracs and most recently, he played for the Pioneros de Querétaro in Mexico. 

In conjunction with our Athletics Community Day on Saturday, April 23, we will be holding a Day of Celebration and Remembrance for Rafael Hidalgo. This will take place at the Outdoor Athletic Complex at 3 PM. Light food and beverages will be served. Let's take this time to be with one another and share all of the precious memories that Rafael provided us. All friends and family are welcome. We look forward to being amongst our Viking Family to help heal us and get through this difficult time. 

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been created in his memory.