Derek Miller passed away late Friday night, Jan. 24, due to a medical issue.

Miller, or Andy to his peers and family, was a junior and a proud Raider. Andy was involved in baseball and wrestling.

“He was the kind of guy who always had a smile on his face,” wrestling coach Tad Hazlewood said. “He seemed to be upbeat about everything. He was a good teammate and a great person to be around.”

Junior Nick Lauer reflected on moments he shared with Andy.

“We used to run track together in athletics. He would always be on my tail, trying to outrun me,” Lauer said. “We motivated each other. It was how we were friends.”

Freshman Josh Leveridge played baseball with Andy and said Andy was the first person to approach him when he moved here.

“He welcomed me to the district and said glad to have you here,” Leveridge said.

Varsity Baseball Coach Heath Andrews said what he will remember most about Andy is that everyday it seemed that he really enjoyed the moment he was in.

“Whether it was running in cross country, baseball practice or in the weight room, Andy took pride in what he did and enjoyed being a part of the group,” Andrews said.

Junior Kyleigh Anderson expressed Miller’s love for athletics and his favorite sports team.

“Andy was such a fun person and sure did love his Aggies,” Anderson said. “He always messed with me in chemistry class last year. He was an all-around great guy.”

Miller always had a positive attitude in his work. He made the best of situations in school.

“Andy and I worked on a project together in physics. He figured out a way to fix our problem with the project,” junior Mildred Sanchez said. “I wasn’t close to him, but I saw the student side of him in class.”

Sanchez said that Miller was outgoing and very giggly in class, but always had a positive attitude.

Principal Mike Williams announced the loss of Miller over the P.A. system.

“Andy was a nice and well-liked student who was friendly and respectful to others. I know that he will be missed by students at WEHS,” Williams said.

The tragic event of losing another Raider hits close to home for the class of 2015: Andy’s death coupled with the passing of Nahum in 2012.

“We will never forget our angels,” Anderson said. “Knowing that they are watching over us and the rest of Raider Nation puts my heart at peace. It allows me not to cry, but to smile knowing that we are safe under strong angel wings. Our Raiders will be missed.”