Mario Meeker was born on August 4, 1994, in Stockton, California. At the age of four, he entered foster care. I met Mario when he was six, after he had already been in care for two years. Although he didn’t stay with me for long, I remained in contact with his brother Gabriel and heard about Mario from him over the years. Mario was smart, intense, and deeply connected to Gabriel, who was always by his side. Despite the challenges he faced, Mario was generous with his time and friendship, and he made a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. In his teens, Mario reconnected with his family of origin, and spent most of his life in and around Stockton, building relationships and trying to find his place in the world.

About three years ago, Mario moved to Olympia, Washington, hoping for a fresh start. He wanted to build a new life, but sadly, that new beginning didn’t materialize. On December 20, 2025, Mario passed away from an overdose, leaving his brother Gabriel and all who loved him heartbroken. The loss is profound, and we want to honor Mario’s memory by giving him the dignity in death that was often elusive in life.

We are raising funds to cover the cost of Mario’s cremation. Any amount raised over that will be donated in Mario’s memory to California Youth Connection, a statewide non-profit that helps foster youth who are aging out of care. Thank you for reading about Mario. Your assistance will help Gabriel lay his brother to rest, and your support means more than words can express.