Colombian professional Valorant player Santiago ‘Daveeys’ Ruiz tragically passed away at the young age of 23, according to an announcement made by his organization, KRÜ Esports, on September 4, 2023. Santiago Ruiz, who was widely known as Daveeys, had recently celebrated his 23rd birthday on September 2, just a day before the tragic incident.
Es con profunda tristeza que tenemos que comunicarles que, tras sufrir una descompensación el domingo, falleció @Daveeys21.
No hay forma de suavizar esto, nos tomó a todos por sorpresa.
Daveeys, Santi, era un player espectacular y un compañero de primera. Con su característica… pic.twitter.com/muuHmBfCII
— KRÜ Esports (@KRUesports) September 4, 2023
In a statement released by KRÜ Esports, the organization expressed profound sorrow and shock at the unexpected loss of their talented player. Originally in Spanish, the statement stated, “It is with deep sadness that we have to inform you that, after suffering a medical issue on Sunday, @Daveeys21 passed away. There is no way to soften this; it took us all by surprise.”
Daveeys’ Impact on Valorant
Daveeys had been with KRÜ Esports since October 2022, and during his time with the team, he had made a significant impact on the Valorant competitive scene. Known for his exceptional skills and teamwork, Daveeys played an instrumental role in helping KRÜ Esports secure a place in Valorant Champions 2023 by emerging victorious in the Americas Last Chance Qualifier. This remarkable achievement included defeating formidable opponents like Cloud9 and FURIA.
Despite their best efforts, KRÜ Esports experienced a challenging journey in Valorant Champions 2023, finishing at the bottom of their group after suffering losses to Paper Rex and Giants. Daveeys’ contributions to the team’s success were undeniable, and his loss leaves a significant void in the Valorant community, particularly in Colombia and the region he represented.
A Humble and Inspirational Player
In the statement, KRÜ Esports also highlighted Daveey’s dedication and humility, emphasizing his pride in inspiring and representing his country and region on the global Valorant stage. The organization and the entire gaming community mourned his untimely passing, offering condolences and support to his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
One of Daveey’s teammates, axeddy, posted a heartfelt message on X/Twitter on September 3, before Daveey’s death had been publicly announced. In the tweet, axeddy mentioned taking a break from gaming for the day and urged people to never forget to express their love to those they care about.
Daveey’s death serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental and physical health, particularly for esports athletes who often endure rigorous training and competition schedules. His passing has left the Valorant community in mourning, and fans, fellow players, and organizations have shared their tributes and condolences in honour of his memory.
A Reminder to Prioritize Health
As the esports world reflects on the loss of Daveeys, there is a renewed awareness of the need to prioritize well-being and support for professional gamers who dedicate themselves to their craft, often at significant personal cost. Daveey’s legacy in the Valorant scene will be remembered, and his impact on the esports community will continue to resonate.
While the details of his medical issue have not been disclosed, Daveeys’ passing serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of health and self-care in the demanding world of professional esports.
