Drew Christian Crum-Hieftje

On Monday, July 13, 2026, Drew Christian Crum-Hieftje, 21, of Bloomington, peacefully passed from this life into God's heavenly realm while surrounded by the love of his parents. Drew was born on June 2, 2005, at Saint Francis Hospital in Indianapolis to Christopher Troy Crum-Hieftje and Ann Courtney Billings Crum-Hieftje. From the very beginning, his family recognized his infectious smile, compassionate heart, and extraordinary God-given athletic ability. To quote his older sister Bree recalling their childhood, “Drew WAS the good time.” A lifelong member of Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, he received his sacraments there under the loving guidance of his godparents, Susan Hendrickson and Mark Hofmeister. His Catholic faith shaped the man he became and remained the foundation of his character throughout his life. Basketball was Drew's first love. From an early age, he spent countless hours in the driveway perfecting his jump shot, and his family was convinced they were watching the next Kobe Bryant in the making. His first awards were “Player of the Year,” given for leading his St. Charles 4th grade CYO team to victory and followed by his 8th Grade “Three-Point Champion” title at Batchelor Middle School. The competitive spirit, joy for the game, and natural leadership he displayed were evident every time he stepped onto the court. As he entered Batchelor Middle School, Drew became the team's quarterback and discovered a passion for football that would shape the rest of his athletic career. From an early age, he possessed an extraordinary drive to improve. Around 6am most mornings, Drew would encourage, even pester when necessary, his dad, to take him to the YMCA for workouts. Chris, no matter how exhausted he was, rarely bailed. Drew was also blessed with a mother who wholeheartedly supported every opportunity that allowed him to grow—not only into an accomplished athlete, but into a faithful, well-rounded, and compassionate young man. Courtney always proudly and gleefully hollered after him from along the sidelines, clapping away, “Go to work!” When Drew arrived at Bloomington High School South, he came with one goal—to help his team win. Though he had excelled as a quarterback in middle school, he was willing to play any position the coaches asked of him, embracing every opportunity to contribute and without concern for personal recognition. His selfless attitude, coachability, relentless work ethic, and unwavering commitment quickly earned the respect of his coaches and teammates. The Herald-Times sports writer Jim Gordillo aptly described Drew to the delight of his family, as a "Swiss Army knife," recognizing his remarkable position versatility and ability to deliver results wherever he played. His family treasured that description because it perfectly reflected the young man they knew—a gifted athlete whose greatest strength was never a single position, but his selfless heart and commitment to his team. While calling Bloomington High School South’s Huff Field home from 2020-2023, Drew established himself as one of Indiana's premier defensive players. A three-year varsity letterman, he racked up an impressive list of accolades: Defensive MVP, Offensive Player of the Game, Big Hit Award Recipient (twice), Silver Helmet Award Winner (4 times), Black Shirt Award Winner (6 times), Defensive Player of the Game (5 times), and Special Teams Player of the Game (4 times). He also earned spots on the 5A All-State Team, All-Conference Indiana Team, and received the Conference Indiana Scholastic Award 2024, all elite honors. During his junior season, Drew's outstanding play earned him recognition as The Herald-Times Athlete of the Week for October 3–8, 2022, receiving 45.1% of the community vote—a reflection of the admiration he earned from teammates, coaches, classmates, and the Bloomington community. His 2022 junior season culminated with the great honor of being named the Herald-Times Defensive Player of the Year. His teammates nicknamed him the “Iron Shoulder,” a badge of honor given due to his hard hits. He was excited to sign a scholarship to attend Marian University as a student-athlete with an opportunity to continue his football career and enjoyed school until his health was impacted. Drew was so very strong and determined. There is no greater example of this than the last four days of his life. He had to fight incredibly hard to stay alive to be able to give of himself through the gifts of his organ and tissue donations. The family believes that, through the loving synergy of God’s will and Drew’s own will, Drew’s gifts made it possible to save more than sixty people on July 13. While all of Drew’s significant life accomplishments brought great joy and pride to himself and to his family, those who knew him best will remember that his greatest victories were never measured by awards or statistics. They were found in his relentless determination, positivity, intensity, and the ways in which he inspired those around him to become better teammates, friends, and people. And, at the end of his time here with us on earth, he saved many, many lives. Above all else, Drew loved God, and he loved his family. He was a devoted son, protective brother, cherished grandson, beloved nephew, cousin, teammate, and friend. His kindness, faith, generosity, and joyful spirit will remain forever in the hearts of everyone blessed to know him. In addition to his parents, Chris and Courtney, Drew is survived by his three younger siblings, Carter, Zoë, and Tory Crum-Hieftje, all of Bloomington; his older sister, Bree Crum-Hieftje of Connecticut; his grandfather, Paul Crum of Bloomington; his grandparents, Gary and Susan Hieftje of Marco Island, Florida; his aunts and uncles, Lance and Stephanie Eberle, David and Susan Hendrickson, Todd and Carolyn Hieftje, and Mark and Stacy Hieftje-Conley; his cousins Jack, Cole, Luke, and William Barnes; Chase and John Eberle; Nathan, Megan, Kathryn, and Nicholas Hendrickson; Jacob and Brooklyn Hieftje; Alexander, Kallyn, and Lisa Hieftje-Conley; Brady Pruett and Jackie Burch. He was preceded in death by his precious older brother, Cody Christian Crum-Hieftje, at age 6 in 2004; his maternal grandparents, Stewart Richard Billings and Marilyn Trapp Billings; and his beloved maternal aunt, Jennifer Billings Barnes in 2020. ROMAN CATHOLIC FUNERAL RITES: VISITATION will be held at Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 2222 East Third Street, Bloomington, on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., with recitation of the Holy Rosary at 12:40 p.m. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be celebrated by the family's longtime pastor, Father Thomas Kovatch, at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. RITE OF COMMITTAL will immediately follow at Clear Creek Cemetery, where Drew will be laid to rest beside his brother, Cody. The family wishes to acknowledge and express gratitude for all the love and support they have received since Drew’s injury. In this spirit, three memorial funds are kindly suggested in lieu of flowers to remember him: ST. CHARLES BORROMEO: #4EverDrew Fund https://giving.myparishsoft.io//app/giving/stcharlesgiving CONCUSSION & CTE FOUNDATION: a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public charity (federal tax ID #77-0689904). All contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. IN MEMORY OF: DREW CRUM-HIEFTJE COMMENTS: #4EverDrew https://give.concussionandcte.org/Concussion-and-CTE BLOOMINGTON OUT OF THE DARKNESS WALK: AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2026 AT SWITCHYARD PARK TEAM: #4EverDrew https://afspwalks.donordrive.com/2025ImpactPartners?eventID=11840 As we entrust Drew to God’s eternal care, we take comfort in the promise that love never ends. May his memory continue to inspire us to live with greater faith, kindness, and purpose, until the day we are reunited with him in the everlasting peace of Christ. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” –Matthew 25:23

Tributes

Drew Christian Crum-Hieftje

June 2, 2005 - July 13, 2026