Torryn Pinkard, BCHS Grad and College Football Player, Dies After Cancer Battle

Torryn Pinkard, a 2023 graduate of Boulder City High School, died on Friday evening after a yearlong battle with cancer. The announcement came in a Facebook post by his mother, Shannon Tamanaha, who stated that her son passed away while surrounded by family and friends. She noted that he took his final breath with his mother by his side. Pinkard had been actively playing college football for San Bernardino Valley College during his illness.

Pinkard received his cancer diagnosis after joining the San Bernardino Valley College football program. The 2023 BCHS graduate spoke about his condition in an April issue of the Boulder City Review. At that time, he explained that his initial reaction to the news was focused on his athletic career rather than his health. He said he had just returned to the field and wanted to continue playing. He stated that he did not want others to view him differently because of the diagnosis. His goal was to maintain his role as a football player without making excuses.

SBVC President Dr. Gil Contreras commented on Pinkard's persistence in an email to the Review in April. Contreras described Pinkard's decision to continue attending classes and supporting his teammates as a clear example of courage. He called the player an inspiration to the entire college community. When contacted on Monday, Contreras reiterated that Pinkard's time at the college was too brief. He characterized the loss as heartbreaking for the Wolverine family and extended condolences to the player's friends, coaches, and teammates.

Rick Pontious, the SBVC assistant coach who served as Pinkard's position coach, had known the player since he first joined the team. Pontious said the diagnosis occurred around the time Pinkard arrived at the school. Over the following year and a half, Pontious and his wife became close to the Pinkard family. In April, Pontious told the Review that Pinkard refused to let a medical condition define his identity. He emphasized that Pinkard showed up for practice and games with the same dedication as any other athlete.

Pontious noted that observers who did not know the story would see only a committed football player. He said Pinkard's hard work and determination were evident in every action. Tamanaha described her son's final year as a period of enduring pain that she said no young person should experience. She stated that he never stopped fighting despite the suffering. She wrote that he now rests in peace, free from pain and the struggle of daily survival.

Tamanaha asked friends and acquaintances to remember Torryn for his friendly smile, his contagious giggle, and his passion for football. She highlighted his grit and determination as key traits of his character. She concluded the post by calling him her baby, warrior, and hero. She noted that the family remains TStrong, a reference to the support network that gathered around them during his illness.

Pinkard had played football for BCHS before moving on to his college career. The 2023 graduate pursued his dream of playing at the collegiate level at San Bernardino Valley College. His presence on the team continued until his death this past Friday. The college football program and local community are mourning the loss of a player who was known for his consistent effort and positive attitude.