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'He's more than an angel.' Final memorial service held for Selden teen who collapsed at Newfield High School

Robert Bush was remembered by loved ones as someone who worked to "prove them wrong," a saying the teen lived by.

News 12 Staff

Jul 12, 2023, 10:26 PM

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A final memorial service was held Wednesday for a Selden teenager who died after collapsing during a football practice.

Seventeen-year-old Robert Bush's family say they are humbled by the massive outpouring of community support.

"It was awesome to see that that quiet, little kid had such a loud impact on the community," said Robert Bush's cousin, Josh Bush.

Robert Bush was remembered by loved ones as someone who worked to "prove them wrong." It was a saying the teen lived by.

His family says he was determined to make the junior varsity football team.

"His goal was 'prove everybody wrong,' like, he was going to make that football team, he was going to play this year, like he was going to be on the field starting, like that's what he wanted to do," Josh Bush says.

Robert Bush died after suddenly collapsing at Newfield High School.

His organs were donated so that others could live - a final act of selflessness that his family says makes Robert Bush a hero.

"He's more than an angel, I mean not all heroes wear capes," says Robert Bush's brother, Steve Bush. "Until all this happened, I didn't realize how much of a hero that he's become to me, with everyone that he's done."

The family says they plan to work to raise awareness about organ donation and hope to make it easier for people to sign up.

Robert Bush will be laid to rest Thursday at Pinelawn Memorial Park.

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