My name is Sophia Spotted Tail, though I'm also known as Benally—a name that now echoes with a profound sense of loss. On April 9th, 2026, my world fractured, My older brother, Daris Benally, age 24, a United States airman with just three years left in his service, was stolen from us in a motorcycle accident. Daris was unique, playfully awkward, with a sense of humor only we could truly appreciate, but he was capable of a love that knew no bounds. He was starting to explore a life outside of our little 6 membered family. dreaming of traveling the world, experiencing different powwows while riding his bike, and building a family after his service was complete.

His passions painted a portrait of the man he was: a champion dancer at powwows where his spirit soared; we was all supposed to meet in the circle once again as we all got older… A devoted gamer lost in the world of Halo; and, above all, a loyal son, and brother.

The Sunday before, we shared a simple, precious moment as he prepared his meals for the week, seeking my advice on how to season chicken and what to pair it with, talking about a powwow he was going to this weekend… I showed him how big my two sons was getting but I had to feed my newborn son so I told him I loved him and to stay safe……a memory I now cling to like a lifeline.

But his long fulfilling life was cut short…

A truck pulled out in front of him, giving him no chance to react, and he impacted the front of the driver side. he was announced DOA… While I find some comfort in knowing he died instantly, the pain of his absence is a gaping wound that will never heal.

Daris was more than just a brother; he was the first man I ever loved, ensuring I was cared for and protected while he sacrificed in the heat pouring concrete ( don’t get me wrong he loved working with his crew.) And For seventeen years, we were inseparable, two out of 3 halves of a whole. He was my best friend, my confidant, and the most incredible brother anyone could ever ask for. With him went a piece of my soul, leaving an emptiness that will echo through every moment of every day…

I ask to please help me lay my brother to rest he deserves it…For those wondering why for the go fund me, it’s for us to put on our ceremonies for him, as he was an eagle bone whistle carrier, a warrior, a dancer, and I just loved him so I want his funeral the right way in our culture we lived by. 

I’ve been advised to put our cash app on here because the fund will take days till they can be received.

$Spottedtail6103