Paramus Remembers Wrestler, 'Fierce Competitor' Killed In Crash

PARAMUS, NJ — Alex Sebahie grew up on the wrestling mat. He shined on the mat. That's where people most often saw him, battling against an opponent at Paramus High School.

But they also remembered a dedicated, generous young man who is gone too soon.

Sebahie, 21, died in a car crash along the Garden State Parkway early New Year's Day after the Nissan Altima he was driving crashed into a utility pole in Waretown. (See related: Community Mourns Star Paramus Wrestler Killed In Crash)

Sebahie, one of four brothers, started wrestling in elementary school. He wrestled at Paramus from 2012 to 2016. He finished eighth in the state in the 132-pound category and in sixth at 138 pounds in 2015, The Asbury Park Press reported.

"He was a really fierce competitor. He hated losing and that's what made him great," Sebahie's former coach Steve Klass said. "He was also really talented. He was strong and fast and was dedicated."

That dedication, Klass said, went beyond the wrestling mat.

"He was a caring person. If you were lucky enough to know him, and he got to know you, he really cared about you, just like his wrestling," Klass said. "He was all in and he didn't do anything halfway. It was a bond he had with people."

Paramus High School Principal Raymond Kiem agreed.

"Although he will be remembered by most for his elite wrestling accomplishments, those who knew him deeply at Paramus High School recall a charismatic personality, full of charm, as his defining trait," Kiem said. "When speaking with staff members who knew Alex they fondly recollected his ability to forge relationships with peers, his dedication and love for family, and the importance he placed on respect."

People gravitated toward Sebahie. There was something about him that other people liked, including children.

"My son would always go to Alex," Klass said. "I remember my son wrestling with him as much as I remember him winning matches. He always took time out to play with my son."

Sebahie won more than 100 matches in high school. He was ranked among the top wrestlers in the state and vied for a state championship his senior year, but had a shoulder injury and could not perform as well as he wanted at the state finals.

He attended Rider University on a wrestling scholarship and finished his redshirt freshman season with a 3-2 record. He was not attending Rider at the time of his death.

John Hangey, the head wrestling coach at Rider, declined to comment. However, university spokesperson Kristine Brown said Sebahie, "as a former student athlete he will always be a part of our university family.

"We extend our sincerest condolences to Alex’s family, and will keep them close in our thoughts during this tragic time," Brown said.

Visitation with the family is Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Vander Plaat Memorial Home, 113 South Farview Ave., in Paramus.

A funeral Mass is 10 a.m. Monday at Our Lady of the Visitation R.C. Church, 234 North Farview Ave., in Paramus. Interment is at Arlington Cemetery in Kearny.

A GoFundMe campaign was started Tuesday afternoon to raise money and support Sebahie's family. More than $22,000 was donated on the first day the campaign went live. The goal is to raise $25,000.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

Image via GoFundMe, a promotional partner with Patch