Former Damien standout wide receiver Travis Eschardies, who was a Tribune All-Area selection in 2006, died early Sunday morning following a car accident on the 10 Freeway in Montclair. He was 24.

Eschardies’ Honda Accord overturned and was hit by a Chevy pick up during the accident. Eschardies, who lived in Pomona, was ejected. He later died on the operating room table at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, according to the Riverside Press-Enterprise.

Eschardies was a three-varsity player for Damien from 2004-06. He had 64 receptions for 1,115 yards and seven touchdowns in ’06 when Damien went 9-3 and swept the Sierra League. He teamed with All-Area QB Mark Mendrun to form the top pass-catch combo in the area that season.

Eschardies was also a reserve on the Damien basketball team.

Aram’s take: Tragic news. Eschardies still attended Damien games … I recall seeing him on the sidelines either this season or last in his varsity jacket. I will never forget showing up for the Damien-Los Altos game in ’06 and having him say “hey, what’s up, big dog?” during warm ups while I was walking the sidelines. He had swag, as former Time Warner personality Reg Miller put it. I really enjoyed that Damien team and they were the last legit good team the Spartans football program has had. Eschardies won’t be forgotten.