Ex-Aptos HS Football Player, Trenten Black, 26, Murdered While Fishing-Parents David And Kristen Left Devastated
Jessica Wood
Published May 15, 2026
Ex-Aptos HS Football Player, Trenten Black, 26, Murdered While Fishing-Parents David And Kristen Left Devastated
Holtzclaw has been arrested and charged with voluntary manslaughter. His bail is set at $200,000.
June 15, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on June 15, 2026
A fishing trip in Moss Landing took a tragic turn when a fight between two men ended with one of them dead.
The man who died was a 26-year-old Trenten Paul Black, who was a dedicated athlete from Aptos, California.
He played football at Aptos High School, where he was a member of both the junior varsity and varsity teams from 2013 to 2016.
Wearing jersey number 44, Trenten played as a fullback (FB) and middle linebacker (MLB).
According to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, the incident started when Black and another man, Joshua Timothy Holtzclaw, 29, got into an argument after their boats collided near the harbor entrance.
Investigators say Black got onto Holtzclaw’s boat, and the two began fighting.
During the struggle, Black fell into the water. Witnesses said Holtzclaw appeared to hit Black with a stick while he was in the water, then left the scene.
A nearby boat tried to save Black by throwing him a life preserver, but they couldn’t reach him in time.
Family And Friends Mourn The Loss Of Trenten Black
Trenten Black leaves behind his parents, David and Kristin Black, who are now grieving an unimaginable loss.
His father, David, shared his heartbreak on Facebook, expressing deep sorrow and pain, writing that he wants his son back and pleading for strength to get through this tragedy.
I’m so sad I want my boy back oh god help me
Tim Obert expressed how much he and his family loved Trenten, calling him not just a friend but someone who had become part of their family.
As a father, he said the tragedy made him hold his son tighter, knowing that Trenten’s father, David Black, would never get that chance again.
Tim encouraged others to support a created to help Trenten’s family during this difficult time, hoping to give him the meaningful celebration of life he deserves.
Our world was flipped upside down this previous week when we came to find that our brother and friend tragically passed away. Words don’t express what joy you brought to this world your smile, your hard work ethic and just being a great person ! I loved you,my kid loved you and everyone who met you loved you ! You helped support my family and became part of it . Your memory will never die, and your spirit will live on through all of us ! The pain left from this will probably never go away and our prayers and condolences go out to your family. Being a father, I never held my son so tight something that at David Black will never ever get to do again. He was robbed of his son in horrendous action that left us missing a beautiful person, son, a friend and a family member. Nothing anyone can give or say will make any of this better, but if anyone can share this go fund me and donate to help his family during this tough time let’s give Trenten Black the greatest celebration of life we can ! Every time we walk a river anytime we leave harbor you’ll be in our hearts and our minds we love you !!! Never forget Trenton Black.
Investigators are now trying to figure out if this was an act of self-defense or something more serious.
They’re waiting on autopsy results, which should help determine exactly how Black died.
Similarly, Mattison Jenkins shared a message expressing deep heartbreak and confusion over Trenten Black’s sudden passing.
She said he was taken far too soon and asked others to support his family, who mean so much to her, by sharing or donating to help them during this difficult time.
She ended by sending love to the entire family, showing just how close they were to her heart.
My heart is broken and confused, you were taken too soon. Please share or donate if you can to support the family I hold closest to my heart . I love you all so much!
Rest in peace, Trenten Black
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