It is with a heavy heart that I must share the tragic passing of Gabriel Fernandez. Gabe, and his two brother’s Yamile and Obed, are like brothers to me, the Fernandez parents made sure I felt like “Familia.”

My heart breaks for them. Many of you know Gabe was not only an incredible friend; he was a son, a brother, and most importantly Julissa’s father.

When I heard Gabe had been taken from us far too soon, I was sickened with a helpless feeling. I wanted so badly to be there in any capacity for Julissa and the Fernandez family to thank them for treating me as one of their own and honor my incredible friend Gabriel.

The Fernandez family is the epitome of a giving, caring and selfless family. It is because of the love and kindness they have shared with so many of us that I am compelled to create a GoFundMe page so we can rally behind them to help ease the burden of funeral costs and to provide a bright future for Gabriel’s daughter Julissa.