Burnsville High students petition to retire jersey No. 6 after classmate's death

The recent passing of a popular Burnsville High School senior has devastated the entire student body just a few weeks into the new school year.

Now, a petition is gaining momentum that would retire the jersey No. 6.

Friends say Devin Delaney was not only a super star athlete but one of the nicest people you'd ever meet.

The 17-year-old died suddenly on Sunday while visiting friends at North Dakota State University.

"I remember how positive he was all the time,” said Justin Amaker, a senior at Burnsville High School. “He was always in a good mood. I never saw him down or sad it was inspiring how he was always so positive."

After students gathered Sunday night in the parking lot of the high school and wrote tributes to Delaney on a rock near the school, they discussed what more could be done to honor him. That's when Amaker decided to start the petition.

"Devin was an important person at this high school,” said Amaker. “He was an inspiration to a lot of people and he was a great athlete and he was just a great person and so was Ty, the other person who wore No. 6."

Both Delaney and Ty Alyea wore No. 6. Delaney played lacrosse and hockey, while Alyea was a baseball standout. Alyea died a few years ago in a car crash.

As the petition has gained steam on social media, more than 2,000 people have signed on, including some teachers.

One student wrote in support of the idea quote: "The No. 6 has been an important number within our community and it should be recognized."

Amaker didn't think he would get so many signatures in 24 hours, but he says it just shows how much people respected both young men who were taken way too quickly.

"Retiring the number can hopefully leave a little legacy towards them," he said.

A spokeswoman for the district says she's not aware of the petition, but if officially presented to school leaders they would definitely take a look at it.