Community remembers former Richwoods High Football player after tragic drowning

Posted on May 19, 2025
Peoria Richwoods High School. (Photo courtesy: Peoria Richwoods/Facebook)

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Family, friends, and former teammates are mourning the loss of Santonio Wallace, a former Richwoods High School football player who tragically drowned on Easter Sunday while swimming at Navarre Beach in Florida. He was just 17 years old.

Wallace’s family had recently relocated from Peoria to Florida. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through both communities, with many remembering Wallace as a promising athlete and a kind-hearted young man.

A celebration of life was held Sunday at the Grandview Drive Pavilion in Peoria, where loved ones gathered to honor his memory.

Jim Ulrich, Wallace’s former football coach at Richwoods High School, expressed his sorrow upon learning of the teen’s passing.

“Gut punch. He was such a good young man,” said Ulrich. “He had a good, strong family. You just hate to see bad things happen to good people. And that’s what happened here, unfortunately.”

Wallace was a devoted fan of the Miami Dolphins and had been looking forward to starting his senior year of high school in the fall.

His family has started a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses and transport his body back to Peoria for burial.

WMBD TV can be reached at [email protected].

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