FULLERTON, Calif. – The Cal State Fullerton baseball program is mourning the loss of teammate Nick Hurtado, who passed away at the age of 21 after a battle with cancer on Friday night.

Hurtado, a 2010 graduate of Corona Santiago High School in Corona, Calif., signed with the Titans as a senior in the fall of 2009, before his battle with bone cancer began.

Hurtado was a four-year letterwinner for head coach Ty DeTrinidad and the Sharks. Before his senior season began, Hurtado was diagnosed with cancer after being hit by a ball in the knee during the preseason. On March 5, 2010, he made his only appearance of his senior season, tossing one pitch (a strike) in the opening game of the 2010 season just days before his treatment was to begin. As a sophomore, he posted a 4-2 record with a 1.98 ERA, and in his final full season with the Sharks as a junior in 2009, Hurtado was 3-2 with 29 strikeouts in 29 and 1/3 innings.

The pitcher was finally able to join the Titans for the 2012 season, but sat out the year as his treatment and recovery continued. Due to his illness, he was unable to join the roster in 2013, but made the effort to connect with his teammates at Goodwin Field as often as possible.

Statement from the 2013 Titans

"The world lost and amazing person last night. We will forever remember his genuine love for the people around him, and for life itself. He was the ultimate friend, and we hope we can grow, and be half the person he was. He touched the lives of so many people with his compassion and unyielding positive attitude. He will be in our hearts every single day."