"I am so sorry" A student's heartbreaking apology to the classmate he couldn't save.

“Wherever you are now, please know that I am so sorry to you man. I am sorry I failed you. I’m sorry you lost your life so soon.”

These are the devastating words of Manny Ballestas, a student at the University of Central Florida, who has taken to Facebook this week to express a heartfelt apology to the parents of a peer he failed to resuscitate.

His university classmate, 18-year-old freshman Michael Namey, tragically died after suffering from a seizure in the middle of their pre-calculus class on Monday.

Manny, who is trained in first aid, was the first to rush to his side, and the first to initiate CPR. Despite being in the same class, Michael and Manny did not have the chance to meet before the incident.

In line with his training, Manny pumped his classmate’s chest right up until the moment paramedics arrived. Sadly, he was unable to save Michael from the cardiac arrest which ultimately ended his short life.

Out of fear he would never meet Michael’s parents face-to-face, Manny wrote to them in his open apology, “your son fought for his life without feeling any pain… I cannot fathom the pain you feel and my words will never ease them but please know that I am so sorry.”

“I did everything I knew how to possibly do but it wasn’t enough… I will work everyday, as a student of UCF, an individual of society, and hopefully one day as a politician, to assure that what happened to your son can be prevented in schools nationwide.”

His tear-jerking words have accumulated thousands of likes and shares online. Ultimately, Manny says he wants this tragedy to inspire change, and to raise awareness about the important of first aid training.

“[I’m writing this] to share the importance of knowing what to do in similar situations and to remember this incredible person.”

“Every single second counts, trust me. It could mean the difference between life and death.. I only wish I would have gotten to him a couple of minutes sooner.”

The aspiring politician ended his letter with an emotional message for Michael, the classmate he so desperately tried to save.

“Lastly, to you Michael, I hope you rest in internal peace. You will be missed by the entire UCF community.”

Are you trained in first aid, and do you think more needs to be done to ensure first aid training is provided in schools and education facilities?

You can read Manny’s full post here.