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Guyer High School Football Player Remembered

DENTON (CBSDFW.COM) - A Denton Guyer High School football player was found shot to death on Saturday night in a truck in a rural part of the county, near Bowie. The Montague County Sheriff's Department and the Texas Rangers are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of 18-year-old Nathan Maki.

Maki had been shot once. He was transported to Bowie Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A 17-year-old was arrested on possession of alcohol, but no arrests have been made in Maki's death. A rifle was found at the scene.

Maki was often seen making big plays as a fullback on the Wildcats football team. "He's one of our best football players," said John Walsh, head coach of the Denton Guyer High School football team.

Guyer
(Credit: Denton Guyer High School)

When the football team heard the tragic news, more than 250 students went to the school for a grief session Sunday morning. "It was tough. They were devastated," Walsh said. "We are going to start celebrating his life this week, but today was just shock and dealing with that shock."

Walsh said that Maki was a hard worker who was a leader on and off the field. "He's one of those kids that's always got a smile on his face, and a popular kid with a great personality. It's a big loss for Guyer High School," Walsh said.

Maki's girlfriend, Peyton Bucklew, was devastated, but plans to create a special slideshow for the Maki's football teammates and hold a vigil.

Maki was entering his senior year at Guyer and was set to be one of the playmakers this year. Instead, his teammates will take the field this season with Maki, not on the field, but in their hearts. "Some of the guys are making wristbands and everyone is wearing 33, so definitely Thursday is going to be for him," Bucklew said. "I hope the boys go on and play for him because he deserves it."

The Montague County District Attorney will look at the case when the investigation is complete.

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