Celebrate Jeffrey's Life, His Heroic Impact and Medical Exp.

On Christmas morning 2024, while so many people were joyfully opening presents surrounded by loved ones, this beautiful, 24-year-old, sweet boy was so utterly broken that he could see only darkness and feel only despair and pain. He couldn't see how much he was loved or how much this world needed him. So, alone on a hiking trail, after texting family and friends a Merry Christmas and then a "Goodbye," he turned his phone off, took a gun out of his backpack and said a final farewell to the world. A guardian angel, out for a run, came upon the scene and called 911. For 5 long days, Jeffrey's family went into battle armed with prayer and love. But some wars are not meant to be won. On December 30th at 3:13 pm, Jeffrey Sturgeon left this earth and found the peace he so desperately sought in the arms of our Lord and Savior. Never to suffer again. Never to have to try and comprehend autism, ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, and deep depression that plagued his life. Jeffrey was our nephew, my husband's namesake.

Jeffrey donated his organs to help others live. As of this writing, up to 8 lives have been saved and up to 75 people have begun a better quality of life. I can see Jeffrey smiling ear to ear hearing people call him a Hero because all he ever wanted to do was help.

I'm starting this GoFundMe request to help his parents plan for his Celebration of Life, Cover Medical Expenses and to place a Memorial Bench on the hiking trail in his honor. To reach out to others who are suffering from mental illness. To maybe make a difference in another's life. Just maybe save a life. We are not sure about medical costs that were incurred, but I'm sure they are significant with a 5-day stay in ICU.

Thank you for listening to our story. Jeffrey has been our nephew since birth, even though my husband and Jeffrey's dad are not connected by blood. Best friends since middle school. Sometimes it's not blood that binds a family. It's LOVE. It's driving 10 hours, with your daughter as co-pilot, to offer support. To hold a grieving father, mother, and brother as their world was shattered. To simply be there. Our lives will never be the same. Love you, sweet boy. Rest now.