Daniel De La Torre UCLA Obituary
Daniel De La Torre, a UCLA alum who competed for the Bruins from 2013 to 2018, has passed away at the age of 29. A native of Alhambra, California, Daniel’s death has left many in mourning.
“I was devastated to learn of Daniel’s passing,” stated Joanna Hayes, the Sherie L. and Donald G. Morrison UCLA Director of Track & Field/Cross Country. “He had such contagious energy, and I will forever cherish every moment that I was fortunate enough to spend with him. We mourn his loss with the UCLA community, our hearts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Moreover, Daniel, a committed and supportive teacher at Almansor Academy, a specialized education school in South Pasadena. As a professional distance runner, he qualified for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials with a marathon time of 2:17:32 at the 2023 California International Marathon in Sacramento. Daniel used his running achievements and platform to fundraise for curriculum development for his students.
During his time at UCLA, Daniel was an NCAA qualifier in both cross country and track & field, earning second-team All-American honors in the 5000m in 2017. Named to the 2018 MPSF Indoor Track All-Academic Team. In addition, the 2017 Pac-12 All-Academic second team for cross country. His 5000m time of 13:46.14, set in 2017, still ranks sixth in UCLA history.
Before attending UCLA, Daniel won six CIF individual titles and six league championships, including the 2012 CIF state cross country championship. Furthermore, held La Salle High School’s one-mile record. Additionally named the 2012 Pasadena Sun All-Area Cross Country Athlete of the Year in the fall and Track and Field Athlete of the Year in the spring of his senior year.
In conclusion, the funeral for Daniel De La Torre will take place at Holy Family Church in South Pasadena, California, on Friday, July 26, starting at 10 a.m. PT.
