Marcus (left) and his twin sister, Micah.
Marcus, known as "Tank" to his friends, suffered an asthma attack in his home during the early morning hours of Thursday, November 10th.
A family member performed CPR until an ambulance arrived on the scene, but paramedics were unable to successfully resuscitate him.
News of his death traveled quickly yesterday through Moss Haven Elementary, where Tank was a 5th grader, and the community's response in time of crisis has been just as quick.
The Moss Haven Elementary PTA, together with the Moss Haven Moms group, is already working to establish a fund through the Re:Vive Foundation to assist the family directly.
Parents and friends remember Tank as a loving, polite young man with a deep love of football.
Tank was the son of Rachel McGowan and Marcus Stiggers, both Lake Highlands High School graduates.
Rachel described Tank as "Lake Highlands' next football legacy – just like his dad who led the Wildcats."
"He wanted to follow in his dad's footsteps. He loved football and the Steelers."
Tank and Rachel had just returned from Moss Haven's 5th grade trip to Sky Ranch on Wednesday afternoon.
Local friends and family are staying with her, Tank's twin sister Micah, and three year-old younger brother, to provide support.
Funeral arrangements have been made for this Saturday, November 12th.
A viewing is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at New Mount Zion Baptist Church in Lake Highlands.
Tank's funeral will follow at 11:00 a.m.
The family is requesting that Tank's friends wear yellow and black on Saturday, in memory of him and his love of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
According to RISD and MHE principal, Philip Henderson, trained crisis counselors will be available to Moss Haven Elementary students today and next week.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Stiggers family during their time of loss.
Community members who would like to donate to the Marcus Stiggers Fund can contribute to the Re:Vive Foundation in his name.
The Re:Vive Foundation is a locally run, non-profit organization that partners regularly with individuals and other non-profits to offer aid to families in their time of struggle.
Donations should be made payable to the foundation, noting "Marcus Stiggers" in the memo section of the check.
They can be dropped off at the Moss Haven Elementary office or mailed to The Revive Foundation c/o Renee Barfoot, 9118 Loma Vista Drive, Dallas, TX 75243.
All donations are tax-deductible.
New Mount Zion Baptist Church is located at 9550 Shepherd Road in Lake Highlands, near Stults Road Elementary and the Lake Highlands Family YMCA.
