LEWISTON — Troy Johnathan James Pappas, 18, of Eliot, died Oct. 5, at Central Maine Medical Center, as result of a fall on the campus of Bates College.

Troy was born Dec. 30, 1993, and was the son of John and Mary (Blackwell) Pappas of Eliot.

He achieved many spectacular accomplishments in his short 18 years. He was a fun loving young man who made friends quickly. He was close with his family and enjoyed numerous outings with them, especially annual Florida trips to see his grandparents and hanging with his cousins at camp.

Troy was very goal-driven and graduated eighth in his class. He was the 2011 recipient of the Clarkson University High School Achievement Award. He was a member of Interact, Rotary International’s Service Club for young people, student government and National Honor Society. Troy was also a member of the school’s Math Team and helped Marshwood to a sixth place finish at States this year.

His competitive spirit served him well in his athletic career. While at MHS, Troy played varsity basketball for two years and was selected as the Coach’s Award his senior year. Troy played four years of varsity baseball and was named a captain his junior and senior years. He made the SMAA all-defensive team 2011. Troy started at quarterback for three years on the school’s football team and was named a captain his senior year. Troy was recognized as the football team’s offensive MVP for 2010 and the team’s MVP for the 2011 season. Additionally, he was selected to represent Marshwood in the Kora Shriner’s Lobster Bowl, Maine’s all-star football game. He treasured his experience with this week-long event and celebrated a victory with his teammates with a touchdown catch of his own.

Outside of school, Troy participated as a volunteer for the Friend’s Project and the Special Olympic Team Portsmouth Basketball organization. During the summer, he worked at Bob’s Clam Hut and part-time for Fernandes and Sons Landscaping. Troy was a freshman at Bates College, majoring in pre-med, biochemistry and planning to attend medical school to pursue a career in orthopedic surgery. He was playing football for the Bobcats and was considering trying out for the baseball team.

Besides his parents, Troy is survived by his sister, Rayna Pappas of Eliot and her fiance, Lucas Devins; his maternal grandparents, Gareth and Beverly Blackwell of Corinth; his paternal grandparents, Thomas and Sally Pappas of Kenduskeag; his aunt, Sherry and her husband, Scott Roberts, of Bradford, his uncle, Gary and his wife, Lanette Blackwell, of Corinth, his aunt, Judy and her husband, Barry Brown, of Exeter and his aunt, Katie Miles of Dover-Foxcroft; special cousins, Carrie and her husband, Kevin Worster, Annemarie Roberts, Lindsey, Emily, Craig Blackwell, Sara, Buster and Seth Brown, Paige and her husband, Kyle Martin, Monica, Jackie and Andrew Miles; his littlest cousin, Connor held a special place in his heart.

Troy had numerous close friends and teammates.

Troy’s tragic death became a beacon of hope for other families as his parents upheld his wishes of being a organ donor. Troy’s gift will touch the lives of many.