The Somerset community is mourning the death of 26-year-old Ben Garza. He was killed Tuesday while working with a trash compactor in West Bexar County.
Friends and family members said Garza was known far beyond Somerset, the small, tight-knit town where he grew up. His in-character wrestling was wildly popular online, and he was also on a break-dancing crew.
"He was one of the only guys to wear face paint in the event, and he went by Wicked J. He liked the Joker, the comic book character," his friend Alex Garza said. "I have known Ben for a very, very long time. We met in karate class when I was about 10 years old, and ever since then, we were like brothers."
The two started a wrestling organization in Somerset called Extreme Showdown Wrestling.
"Me and Ben were brothers backstage, but in the ring, we're always against each other. But it was an honor. I actually wrestled him on Saturday which is extra emotional for me because I shared his last moment in the ring," Alex Garza said.
Ben was a garbage collector for Metro Waste Systems. He died around 10:15 a.m. Tuesday in a trash compactor accident. Bexar County Sheriff's Office investigators are still trying to figure out how it happened. They said he was crushed inside the truck.
"The fact that he's gone is still kind of surreal to all of us," Alex Garza said.
He said Ben Garza was the life of the party and a genuine person who everyone loved.
"Naturally gifted, a natural born entertainer, he loved to make people smile, loved to make people laugh," Alex Garza said.
Whether through his wrestling, dancing or his loyal friendship, his life has made a lasting impact.