It is with heavy heart that I share the story of my beloved father, Mauricio Murillo, who tragically passed away on January 3rd, 2026 in Tulum, Q.R., Mexico. He had already spent a week in Mexico City and had plans of spending time in Tulum for some well-overdue relaxation time. Unfortunately, shortly after arriving at the airport in Tulum, for his first-ever vacation and first time back in Mexico in over 20 years, my father suddenly collapsed and cardiac arrested. My mom, brother, and I had to jump on the next available flight to Tulum the next morning and quickly make hotel/car arrangements for the week.

Those who knew my father personally knew he was an incredibly hardworking man. Since moving to the US in the 1980s, he worked in the hotel/banquet industry—most recently having worked at the Marriott in Schaumburg. He always worked long days and nights, often times only coming home to take a quick shower and nap before driving back to work at the crack of dawn. He always made sure we had food and a roof over our head no matter how tough times got during my childhood, and always encouraged my brother and I to put our best foot forward in everything we do. My father touched the lives of many with his kindness, wit, selflessness, and his absence is felt deeply by many.

The sudden nature of this tragedy has created an unexpected financial burden on our family, and we are doing our best to navigate these arrangements while coming to terms with and coping with our loss. Funds will be used to help with things such as funeral/cremation, travel, necessary arrangements, and related costs. Any support is greatly appreciated; thank you for helping us honor my father’s life and memory in the way he deserves.