Obituaries
Ramapo HS Soccer, Track Athlete Ben Landel Dies Of Cancer
Breaking: Landel, 18, died Thursday after a yearlong battle with cancer.
FRANKLIN LAKES, NJ — Ben Landel was a fighter. He fought and fought, until Thursday, when he could not fight any longer.
Landel, a standout soccer and track player at Ramapo High School, died of cancer Thursday.
Ramapo-Indian Hills High School Regional High School District Superintendent Beverly MacKay said Thursday that "our hearts are broken" over Landel's death.
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Landel was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer last year, but he didn't fight it alone.
The district community came to his aid with a video campaign called the Ben Landel Crossbar Challenge" to raise money for him. More than $42,000 was donated on the campaign's GoFundMe page.
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Landel said in an interview with North Jersey Sports in October that he was "pretty far into recovery." He had surgery about a month or two earlier.
"I've been bouncing back really well," Landel said. "I think this is all going to be in the past soon."
People took to Twitter with the hashtag #BenStrong in the hours following news of Landel's death. They expressed their sympathy to the Ramapo High School community and shared kind words about Landel.
My son Ty had some epic 1600 & 3200 duels with this kid. They became good friends. And just like that he’s gone way too soon #benstrong @LandelTricia. Prayers with his family. #RIP Ben @ramapotrack @NVDemarest #cancersucks pic.twitter.com/0cf6KlB8os
— Drew Miller (@dmil99) January 26, 2018
To @ramapotrack - nothing we can say can lighten the load of your loss, but all we have to offer you is our condolences, prayers, and support in this tragic and difficult time. May Ben rest in peace and may his family and friends find healing, comfort and strength. #BenStrong https://t.co/DncoxiPqnn
— BCHS XC |Track&Field (@bcfinishline) January" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/bcfinishli... 26, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers go out to our sister school Ramapo High School and the entire Landel family, may he Rest In Peace. #BenStrong
— Indian Hills Hockey (@IH_BravesHockey) January 25, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the @RamapoAthletics community and to the Landel family. We are so sorry for your loss. #BenStrong
— PC Girls Soccer (@PCUnitedGirls) January 25, 2018
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Photo: Ben Landel/Courtesy of GoFundMe
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