Our family is heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected loss of Jovonte. Losing someone so young, with so much life still ahead of him, is a pain none of us were prepared to carry.

Jovonte was so many things to so many people. He was a deeply loved son, a “little big brother,” a doting grandson, the chillest nephew, an adored family member, fraternity brother, classmate, and friend. He was a proud NAU alumnus, a student at ASU, and a member of OX Fraternity, where he built friendships and brotherhood that became another extension of his family.

But titles alone could never fully describe Jovonte.

He had a way of becoming a light in every circle he entered. Whether you knew him through family, school, his fraternity, work, or one of his many groups of friends, chances are you knew the warmth and energy he brought with him. His circles were many because Jovonte had an incredible ability to connect with people, and the outpouring of love since his passing has reminded us just how many lives he touched.

As our family tries to process the unimaginable reality of losing him, we are also faced with the responsibility of laying Jovonte to rest and honoring his life in a way that reflects just how deeply he was loved.

Several of Jovonte’s fraternity brothers, friends, and loved ones have asked how they can help. We created this GoFundMe as a place for his community to come together and help ease the financial burden associated with his final arrangements, memorial services, and other unexpected expenses surrounding his passing.

Any contribution, no matter the amount, is deeply appreciated. If you are unable to give financially, sharing this fundraiser, keeping Jovonte’s family and friends in your thoughts, and continuing to share your memories of him are equally meaningful ways to support us.

Jovonte Forever21 has become more than a phrase for our family. It is our way of carrying his love, his light, and his memory forward.

There are simply no words big enough for this loss. Jovonte was loved tremendously, and he will be missed in more rooms, friendships, family gatherings, group chats, classrooms, and circles than we may ever fully know.

Thank you for loving Jovonte, for remembering him, and for helping us honor a life that ended far too soon.

Jovonte Forever21. Forever loved. Forever legendary. Forever part of us.