Devin "Yokai's" Last Wish

Friends of the Gardner Family is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Stephanie Young.

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It’s with the heaviest of hearts we write to inform you of the tragic and unexpected death of our beloved Devin “YoKai” Gardner. Devin was senselessly murdered in a shooting on January 27th 2024, by complete strangers. He had just celebrated his 26th birthday on December.

To meet YoKai was to love him. The only thing bigger than his personality was his steadfast smile, and his heart. He was an incredibly loving son, a caring and supportive big brother, an impeccable dresser, a fantastic dancer, especially social and charismatic, and he always put family and friends first.

As you all know, Devin was an avid lover of Japanese anime, was teaching himself Korean, and always dreamed of going to Japan. The donations received will enable his family to honor his last wish and finally take YoKai to Japan. There the family will scatter his remains in the country, and amongst the culture, in which he always loved and wanted to visit.

The estimated costs for Devin’s mother and two siblings to travel to Japan are quite considerable. Based on research, the average cost per person to travel to and from Japan for one week, including airfare, accommodations, transportation, and food are approximately $4300 per person.

These contributions will allow Devin’s family to do one final thing for him; something that, hopefully until now, seemed unobtainable. Please consider donating to and sharing this link with friends and family. We sincerely appreciate your consideration and donation in assisting us in making Yokai’s dream come true.

Family and friends are invited to attend services for Yokai held at Robinson's Family Morturary in Pineville LA, 1815 Military Hwy, Pineville, LA 71360 at 11:00 AM, Saturday, February 17th.

His family will never again be the same. They have been robbed of all the things they should have been able to take for granted. The outpouring of love and prayers the family have received have been so heartwarming and healing. Please continue to lift up Yokai’s family and friends in prayer as they attempt to navigate these dark and unimaginable times.