Help Colt's family in the wake of his passing

Hi, my name’s Hunter.

My youngest brother, Colt, passed away in a sudden tragedy last week at the young age of 24. He was severely Autistic and overcame so much in his short life. A truly wonderful person, an artist, an athlete, and he was, and is, my best friend. We are devastated, his loss has left a huge hole in our lives.

In the meantime Mom and I are left empty, our heart’s are broken and we are swamped with expenses that come along with his passing, between burial costs, funeral expenses, bills and everything else, we need help and will be forever grateful if you can assist us in this trying time. For through our grief we are facing the reality of not having the means to honor Colt’s life with a proper memorial.

We are asking for donations and pray that you will feel the calling in your heart’s to help us as we prepare to say goodbye to my brother, who so many of you called a friend, and who so many of you were touched and inspired by. Anything left over from our expenses will be donated and used to help the Autistic community.

(Me, our middle brother Johnny, Colty, and Mom)

My Mom, Kimberly, and I dedicated everything we had to ensure Colty and his brother Johnny, who are both severely autistic, have a good and happy life. We withstood the storms of behavioral changes, life's monsoons, and surrounded them with beautiful and patient people. We are blessed to have been able to watch over Colt all of his young life.

(Colty smiling with one of his clay guys)

More about Colt

We witnessed Colt transform from someone trapped in their body to someone who could laugh and smile. He was the strongest man I ever met and he triumphed over so many challenges in his life. He became a gentle man and an incredible artist, a sculptor who made fantastic pieces from clay. A true artist whose presence on this Earth is sorely missed, but eternally appreciated.

He created thousands of creatures over the years from modeling clay, they never dry and his favorite thing to do everyday was to take his clay and reshape it. Over the years they grew in size, scope, and complexity alongside him.

He made things simply because they needed to be made. It was his passion, and seeing that passion grow was and is the greatest gift I have and ever will receive in my life. My best friend's presence isn't gone, it has simply transformed. Just like his clay he himself has molded into a new shape, one for which I cannot imagine now, but I know one day I will see and feel, through the seeds he has sown throughout all of our lives, he lives on.

(Colty next to some of his clay guys, most are of his own design, but some were his favorite characters from media)

I love you Colt. Thank you for being my little brother, thank you for showing me what art truly means, thank you for blessing my life with so many lessons and joys, and thank you for being you. I miss you, I cry in your absence, but I also smile in the memories we made, I laugh when I recall the warmth our home nurtured, and I breathe easy knowing that you were happy. Finally and eternally happy.

In the process of losing him my family has lost a huge part of itself. Johnny and Colt ate dinner together every night, and he is asking for Colt everyday. Even when it’s time for Johnny’s prayers he is pleading for me to bring him back. It is heartbreaking in every possible way, and in some ways that are yet to be revealed. But we’re not giving up or giving in to despair.

(Colty and Johnny together, looking cool as heck)

Colt lived a good life, he had a wonderful laugh and smile. His favorite color was red, his favorite games were Mario and Sonic, his favorite foods were turkey bacon sandwiches and double chocolate ice cream. He loved to run, swim, and play sports. Our home is filled with clay figures and creatures he made. I hope someday soon I can find a way to share or display his work, but that’s for another time.

(Colty, Mom, and Johnny at the Special Olympics)

In the meantime Mom and I are swamped with expenses that come along with his passing, between burial costs, funeral expenses, bills and everything else, we need help and will be forever grateful if you can assist us in this trying time. Anything left over from our expenses will be donated and used to help the Autistic community.

Thank you for your time and consideration. If you knew Colty you know he was a beautiful soul, a flame that burned so brightly that even the sun could not compare, and if you look up at the clouds you’ll see one of his many creations, and when you do please say hello and thank him for me. #Coltstrong #lookup

(All of us, together. I will miss these times for all my life.)