UCSB student Nathaniel Zabala passed away

UC Santa Barbara student Nathaniel Zabala passed away in Goleta on Sept. 21 at the age of 21.

Zabala is an alum of Bell High School where he was described as a “key player” of the Bell Eagles football team, which recently made a dedication post on Instagram. 

“We are saddened to hear of the passing of Nathaniel Zabala. Football alumni that was taken too soon. Our condolences go to the Zabala family,” the post reads. “Nate was one of the leaders that started the change at Bell under Coach Padilla. He was a key player in the semifinal run Bell had his senior year. As you enter the gates of heaven remember you will always be an Eagle.”

The Zabala family is currently taking donations for funeral arrangements, which will be held at Rose Hills Memorial Park – SkyRose Chapel on Oct. 16 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

UCSB Media Spokesperson Kiki Reyes offered condolences on behalf of the University, providing campus resources such as Counseling & Psychological Services. 

“We extend our deepest sympathies and most heartfelt condolences to family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. Losing a member of our UC Santa Barbara community is heartbreaking,” the statement read. 

Specific details about Zabala’s passing are not known at this time. The Nexus will continue to report on this issue as more information becomes available. 

A version of this article appeared on p. 5 of the Oct. 8, 2026 print edition of the Daily Nexus.