On behalf of the Montoya family, we are deeply grieved to share the passing of our Son, Father, Brother, Tío, Partner, Chicano activist and veterano, Noé Yaocoatl Montoya. Noé was a true performer at heart and a naturally talented musician who gave his life as a performer, sharing his gift with others and raising his voice on behalf of La Causa. In truth, he was our family’s north star and it beyond saddens us that we share his unexpected passing with you. But, we know how much each of you were carried in his heart and we know that his heart was always with his comunidad. So in our grieving, we open our hearts to you, just as he would have wanted us to.

As you know, he shared with us on November 19th that he tested positive for COVID-19.  We thank many of you who responded with sending care packages and food and for sending your prayers and your words of encouragement and love.  Many of us stopped by to deliver these packages in recent days, but the illness was unexpectedly swift. He notified his mother that he was feeling better and no longer feverish on Wednesday, November 25th. But, by Thursday morning, his family could no longer reach him, and we notified emergency services. At approximately noon on Thursday, November 26th, his passing was confirmed. 

In our grief and our family’s ongoing battle with COVID, we are working to make arrangements that would honor and remember him appropriately. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you send any funds to help cover his end of life costs. Any funds remaining or not used for these arrangements will go to his son’s eventual care.