Josh Castillo Passing

Our hearts are burdened and filled sorrow due to the tragic loss of a loved one. As I share this story I pray that we all come together to stand with the Castillo family for a greater cause to not only raise awareness for tragedies like this but to also showcase our most sincere support and love to the family. On January 31, Joshua Castillo (age 21) was lost to an accidental self-inflicted fatal gunshot. As many young people can relate, he was amongst a couple of friends in addition to his older sibling when he asked to see a firearm that he was interested in. While holding and looking at the firearm he was under the impression that by removing the clip, the firearm was free from ammo and he did not realize that there was still one bullet in the chamber. He cocked the gun back and was looking at it up close when the firearm accidentally went off piercing through his right cheek, behind the eye, and into his brain leaving fragments behind. The ambulance was called and he was rushed to surgery immediately. While the doctors did everything they could to save him. He was pronounced dead just a couple hours after surgery at 3:29 am on February 1st. It was heartbreaking to see all the siblings including the mother cry over the baby boy in the family who was so special and dear to everyone. This was an accident that could happen to anyone and I pray that you would share this story to help raise awareness on the serious dangers of firearms. In addition, I ask that you will stand with me in offering sincere support. The last thing a mother & father should worry about after losing a son, is the monetary concerns of hospital fees and burial cost. Please stand with us in showcasing love and support for the Castillo family in this time of mourning. Thank you.