FORT COLLINS — Friends and former teammates of Eli Edwards, who played on the defensive line for Colorado State from 2012-13, have set up a fund to help return Edwards and his family home from New Zealand after the passing of his wife.

Edwards’ wife, Annette Luisa (Isa), passed away June 6 after battling Lupus since last fall. She had returned home to her native New Zealand with their daughter, Ellyse, while undergoing treatment.

Eli and Ellyse are trying to get back to the United States, and his friends and former teammates have set up a fundraiser to help them cover travel and funeral costs. This Saturday (June 13), a barbecue has been set up at Fort Collins City Park beginning at 11 a.m. to encourage donations for the cause. An online fundraising page has also been set up at www.gofundme.com/wj662jk.

During her illness, Isa wrote often about her journey in a blog at http://acemamii.wordpress.com. Edwards started for the Rams his two seasons on the roster, earning a bachelor’s degree in sociology in 2014. Ellyse was born in August of 2013, prior to the start of his senior season.

Former teammate Jedidiah Teofilo has organized Saturday’s event. For more information on how to help, Teofilo can be reached at (575) 208-9717.

By Sports Staff