An Albertville football player killed in a car crash Monday is being remembered as a passionate “force” who was also a good friend.

Julius Jamear “J.J.” Staten, 16, died in a crash on his way to football practice Monday, according to members of the Albertville Football Booster Club.

Staten was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, according to the Marshall County Coroner’s office, which responded to the single car crash at about 7 a.m. Monday.

The incident happened in the 2500 block of Alabama Highway 205 North in Albertville.

Albertville police are investigating.

Albertville City Schools spokesperson Miranda Humphrey, in a statement, said “our entire system is deeply saddened by this loss.”

A GoFundMe page to raise money for Staten’s burial had already raised more than $24,000 as of Tuesday morning.

“With a contagious smile always on his face, J.J. honored so many as a treasured friend,” a tribute on the GoFundMe page reads.

“He was not only a great friend, but he was also a force on the football field. He was passionate about playing football, starting as a peewee player, then moving into middle school, and earning a spot on the Albertville varsity football team as a freshman.”

One comment on the page remembered Staton as a “very sweet and gentle man.”

“I’m so sorry he is gone but from what I know, he left this Earth knowing he was loved and loved people in return,” Angela Ohtani wrote.