Rally for the Schultz family: Honor Buddy's memory

On the morning of June 10, 2025, our family experienced an unimaginable tragedy with the sudden loss of my nephew, Larry Schultz Jr., aka Buddy.

On Sunday, June 8, 2025, Larry's dad noticed that something was wrong with Buddy. Something was off and he wasn't his happy-go-lucky self. He was very disoriented and physically showing signs that something was seriously wrong. Once he was able to convince him to go to the hospital to get checked out, things progressed very, very quickly. He was admitted into ICU late Sunday night and passed away at 1:10 am Tuesday morning with his family surrounding him and his mother holding his hand. He was only 40 years old.

He leaves behind his mom and dad (Cathy and Larry Schultz), his 16-year-old son Hunter, his brother Mike, as well as many family members that will miss him dearly. Anyone who knows my sister Cathy knows that she has a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. She treats everyone like family and loves with her whole heart. Buddy was the exact same.

As you can imagine, the sudden impact of a loss of this magnitude is more than any parent should have to bear. Cathy and Larry are now facing the impossible... grieving the sudden loss of their son, comforting the rest of the family, and trying to carry the weight of what happens next. As friends and family, we want to lift some of that weight from their shoulders. We are raising funds to help cover any expenses for immediate needs as well as a celebration of life.

Buddy and his son Hunter had hopes to fly out to California to visit Pismo Beach together, go surfing and visit his favorite pier. This would be a perfect way to honor his memory with a celebration of life and help fulfill these plans for Hunter. Please consider donating. Every little bit helps. So many have expressed the desire to do SOMETHING, so it is my hope that we can be a blessing to the Schultz family in this way. If you're unable to give, please share this page and lift up our family in your prayers. Your kindness, love, and support mean more than we can express.

With deep gratitude,

The Mejia family