Daniel James Hughes, a Vinton teen studying on a dance scholarship at the Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, has died.

Hughes’ death was announced in a GoFundMe fundraiser started in his honor to raise money for his memorial. No cause of death was listed.

The fundraiser read: “Daniel James Hughes is a brother, a son, a friend, a cousin, a soon-to-be uncle, and so much more. He loved dancing ever since he was little and made it his passion and life’s work to pursue a career in the dancing arts. Every room he walked into, he filled with light, wit, and plenty of attitude, and oh, couldn’t forget sarcasm,”

Hughes was a member of the Triton Dance Team and was receiving his education at the Iowa Central Community College where he was on a scholarship for dance.

A close friend of Hughes’, fellow dancer Kayla, honoured him with a beautiful message. According to her, he was her best friend, brother, teammate, and a ‘ray of sunshine’ for all who knew him.

The fundraiser, with a $5,000 goal, quickly reached its goal.