Group of people, including a football player in Maryland jersey holding flowers, a woman with an NFL football, and two individuals in academic outfits, standing on a football field with empty stadium seats in the background.

Isaiah’s Story

Isaiah Hazel was the kind of person who made people feel seen the moment they met him. He led with joy and unconditional love and treated everyone like family. 

At Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Isaiah became one of the top wide receivers in the country—helping lead Wise to three undefeated seasons and earning national recognition as a four-star recruit and ESPN300 player.  

He went on to play at the University of Maryland, where he was one of the first recruits to commit under Coach Michael Locksley. Coach Locksley said Isaiah gave everything he had to the program. Isaiah later transitioned to defensive back and continued his career at UNC Charlotte, appearing in all 12 games in 2023 with 8 starts. 

He made his family and his state proud. 

On July 6, 2024, Isaiah lost his life in a tragic car accident alongside his high school teammates and close friends, Khyree Jackson and Anthony Lytton Jr.  

In 2026, Isaiah’s parents, Brenda and Aaron Hazel, established the Isaiah Lee Hazel Foundation as a new beginning for their family and for the students who will follow in their son’s footsteps.  

In school, Isaiah was supported by an individualized education program and had a tutor who walked alongside him through college. She was like family and that experience stayed with him. He often spoke about wanting to give that same support to others and hoped to fund scholarships for students navigating financial hardship and learning differences.  

Through the Isaiah Lee Hazel Foundation, Zay’s legacy lives on. 

His light continues to shine, supporting students from all backgrounds and illuminating pathways to knowledge and growth. 

A heartfelt letter recounting personal memories and tributes to Zay, who passed away.
Black and white image of a football player in uniform with the number 14, standing on a football field. Text overlay reads 'In Memory of Isaiah Hazel'.
A letter addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Hazel, reflecting on personal memories and lessons learned from Isaiah.
Letter from Brianna Thompson to her baby brother Isaiah, describing his kind-hearted nature, impact on others, and a farewell until they meet again.
A handwritten letter titled "My Little brother Zay!" reflecting on the bond with brother Isaiah Hazel.
A heartfelt letter on a yellow background with black text discussing a teacher's relationship with her student, Isaiah, and her feelings since his passing. The letter is signed by Nathalie Rosales.
Honor Isaiah with a Message
Honor Isaiah with a Message
Two young kids smiling together.
Izaiah Hazel, football player wearing jersey number 13, high-fiving fans in the stands after a game. Fans are smiling, holding phones, and reaching out to shake hands.
Two young men standing indoors, holding green cups, smiling, with other people sitting at tables in the background.
Two men dancing and enjoying themselves at a social gathering inside a venue with warm lighting and other guests seated at tables.
Three people are standing close together indoors, looking at something on a phone that the woman in the center is holding, smiling and engaged. The woman is wearing a white dress with ruching and gold shoes, while the two men are dressed casually in
Group of five people, including two men, one woman, and a young girl, posing together indoors. One man is holding a phone to his ear, and the other is holding a phone. The woman is smiling, and the young girl is wearing a white dress with puffs in he
A group of four people, three adults and one child, posing together indoors. The woman in the middle is holding the child, and the man on the right is making a peace sign with his hand. The background features a textured wall and metal paneling.