Dear community,

On Friday, February 20, our beloved Michael Aguhar experienced a medical emergency and unexpectedly passed away. We are shocked and devastated by this enormous loss, and we share our grief and heartbreak with his partner, Irina, and their toddler, Zoya, whom Michael loved beyond measure.

Many of us knew Michael as a principled organizer, a dedicated community member, and someone whom we were all privileged to call a friend. His integrity, generosity, humility, and commitment to others touched so many lives.

Family and friends of Michael, Irina and Zoya have created this fundraising page to support his immediate family, Irina and Zoya, as they face an unimaginable loss and begin the long road toward healing, recovery, and stability.

During this incredibly difficult time, we hope to help ease the financial burden so they can focus on caring for one another and navigating the days ahead. It will also serve as a lasting source of support for Zoya — created in her father’s memory to help provide for her future and ensure she feels the love and care of this community for years to come.

We will share funeral and celebration of life updates when they are available. Thank you kindly for your patience and support as we all try to find our footing after this sudden loss.

With deep gratitude and appreciation,

Michael’s family and friends

“Grief and love are sisters, woven together from the beginning. Their kinship reminds us that there is no love that does not contain loss and no loss that is not a reminder of the love we carry for what we once held close.”

― Francis Weller, The Wild Edge of Sorrow: Rituals of Renewal and the Sacred Work of Grief