Friends, I’m reaching out to ask for your support during an unimaginably difficult time for my longtime high school friend, Tavarus, and his family.

With heavy hearts, we mourn the tragic loss of his beloved son, Christian—a bright, kind-hearted 19-year-old whose life was cut short far too soon. On the night of Thursday, April 10th, Christian was shot while simply returning from the store with an iced tea for his mother, Dezeray. This senseless act of violence has devastated his family and all who knew him.

Christian was a loving son and brother, passionate about football and basketball, and deeply enjoyed making music. He had a promising future and brought light and joy to everyone around him.

In the wake of this tragedy, Tavarus lost his job and the family’s savings have been depleted as they’ve moved from hotel to hotel, seeking safety while the case remains open. They are now staying in a protected location with no steady income, and their second car has been repossessed. The family is fighting to stay together and safe, relying on faith and the generosity of others to get through each day.

They still owe approximately $7,000 for funeral expenses (not including the $2,200 needed for the burial plot), and are struggling to secure stable housing and food cost for Tavarus, his wife, and their two young sons (ages 8 and 9).

If you are able, please consider donating to help this family cover funeral costs, secure housing, and rebuild their lives after such tremendous loss. Every contribution—no matter the amount—makes a difference. If you can’t donate, sharing this post is also a huge help.

Thank you for your compassion, prayers, and support as Tavarus and his family navigate this heartbreaking journey

If you’re able to contribute or share resources, every bit helps. Please consider donating or sharing this post to help a family in urgent need. Thank you so much for your compassion and support.