The shock just won’t go away. For most people, it probably never will.

In the blink of an eye, a life ended long before it should have.

Ricky Anderson, an 18-year-old student and star fullback for Phoenix Maryvale High’s football team, died in an automobile accident in the early morning hours of Sept. 27. He was a passenger in a car that struck a tree in northwest Phoenix. Two others, including the driver, were hospitalized but are expected to survive.

First-year Maryvale coach Cornelius Bowick said the rest of the season would be dedicated to Anderson, who scored a touchdown in the Panthers’ loss to Laveen Betty H. Fairfax last week. One of Anderson’s close friends, quarterback Devante Stokes, had Anderson’s name and number (40) tattooed on his arm.

The tears were sure to flow on Thursday night, when Maryvale played host to Phoenix South Mountain in a Class 5A Metro Region game. Who would make that big block? Who would provide the muscle when it was needed?

The Panthers’ players, coaches and students must be strong for each other. A part of them is gone.

Our heart goes out to Anderson’s family and the Maryvale community.

Rest in peace, Ricky.