Kris Martinez and Nico Young

UPDATED TO ADD: Many, many thanks and deepest gratitude to everyone who has shared, donated, and spread the word.

Here are words from Kris:

“Thanking everyone that has reached out and have helped in many ways is humbling. I appreciate the people donating as this will give us the time to do the things that need getting done and a little buffer while getting Nico off to University. We had our chance to say our final goodbyes this week. He had been smiling through the pain and it was healing to see him at peace. I am grateful for our communities, friends, and families help during our time of grief. His Celebration of Life Gathering is Saturday August 12th, 7p @ Martinez/Young Residence.”

https://www.romerofuneralhomenm.com/m/obituaries/Scot-Young-2/Memories

Hello, dear friends and family. I am Kira, close friend of the Martinez-Young family. Kris and Nico have just been dealt a crushing blow, and I am reaching out to their many and generous communities to request support.

While working at Oregon Country Fair, Kris and Nico received the devastating news from home in New Mexico that Scot had passed from a massive heart attack. They are unable to switch their flights for a rapid return and are presently ensconced in loving grace by their Ritz sauna fair family, as Scot, Kris, and Nico have been integral to the running and maintenance of this cornerstone fair experience for well over two decades. Now, we need the families of Oregon Country Fair, Phish, Burning Man, Breitenbush, Eugene, Sundance, Portland, New Hampshire, and New Mexico to band together and provide some basic support to this precious family while Kris and Nico attempt to put the pieces of their life back together.

Scot is a loving, gregarious, hard-working, brilliant, music-loving, loyal, steadfast, amazing hugger with a raucous laugh and a quick wit. He is a devoted, patient, present father who ensured that Nico has had plentiful opportunities to develop his profound musical gifts and talents. Scot was so proud to see Nico graduate and be accepted into university this fall. The reality that awaits our friends' return to New Mexico is a silent home, void of that welcome. Please share photos, stories, memories, thoughts and favorite times with Scot here, as well as any financial contributions that may provide some cushion for this sweet family as Kris and Nico attempt to navigate a future without their anchor. Funds will go directly to Nico and Kris.