Mourning a bright star: Union community remembers Lydia Suniga

Family, friends, and teammates are cherishing the memory of Lydia—both on and off the mat.

More Than Just a Wrestler

People say 16-year-old Lydia Suniga was more than just a wrestler—she was a friend, a teammate, a daughter, and a light in the lives of those who knew her.

Lydia's parents describe her as a beautiful, fun, joking girl who loved wrestling and loved people.

Richard Barnett, Lydia's father, expressed, "We wish she could see how much she was loved, not just here, but nationwide, people have just reached out."

In addition to wrestling, Lydia was also part of the low-rider community and enjoyed attending car shows.

Richard Barnett shared, "She's touched everyone that she's met. Everyone has reached out and told us how great of a person she was; how funny, how helpful— you name it, that was her."

A Journey in Wrestling

Lydia began her wrestling journey in the 7th grade, and her friends remember her as an encouraging teammate.

Former teammate McKenzie Schrimsher recalled, "She would come over to me every time I was down and help me back up. She'd say, 'Kenzie, you gotta keep doing this for us. It's for the team.'"

Her coach, Gerald Harris, reflected on her dedication: "Probably one of the hardest workers I had in 20 years of coaching. My favorite memory with her is after she lost a match. A lot of people don't bounce back, but she was at a national tournament and came back to take fourth place. She was one of the top girls in the country."

Auhbriey Lowe shared, "She is that kind of person where you meet her and you want to be her friend. She's nice, loving, and puts your feelings before her own."

A Call for Awareness

Her parents are urging others to listen closely to their children. Richard Barnett said, “I want people to listen to their kids. Don’t allow the laughter and the smiles and the fun-loving demeanor to fool you.”

Lydia’s funeral will be held on June 21st at Rose Hill.

Support for Those in Need

If you or someone you know is struggling, there are free resources to help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 988.