Support Mia's Future After Losing Her Dad

Hi everyone,

On behalf of Mia and her mom, Wendy, I’m reaching out with a heavy heart to ask for support after the unimaginable loss of Ricky — a beloved father, son, grandson, brother, cousin, and friend — who died by suicide this past week.

Ricky and I were cousins, but he was like a brother to me from the day I was born. He was a kind, thoughtful man, and without question, the brightest part of his world was his 7 year old daughter, Mia. He absolutely lit up whenever he talked about her. Whether it was walking her to school, cheering her on for her events, or snuggling up for bedtime stories, Mia was his joy, his motivation, and his proudest role in life. It’s impossible to put into words how deep their bond was and how deeply she will feel his absence.

This GoFundMe has been set up with the blessing of Wendy, Mia’s mom, who shared:

“I honestly would never ask for help, but after talking with EJ, I realize it could be really helpful as we try to navigate everything. Mia was absolutely the joy of Ricky’s life, and it’s going to be incredibly hard for her to adjust to the loss of her dad and her new reality.”

Though Ricky and Wendy were no longer together, they remained united in their love for Mia. Your contributions will go directly to ensuring she has the support she needs in the months and years ahead, including:

• Daycare and child care support

• Counseling and emotional wellness resources

• Extracurriculars and social support as she grows

• Savings for her future education

While no donation can ever replace what’s been lost, even the smallest contribution will help lighten the load and give Mia the chance to heal and thrive in the loving memory of her father. Thank you for reading, for sharing, and for holding this family close in your thoughts during this incredibly painful time.

100% of donations will go to supporting Mia.

With gratitude,

EJ & Ricky’s Family

Please note: If you or someone you know is struggling, please know you are not alone. Help is available. You can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline anytime — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — by dialing 988. There is always someone ready to listen, support, and help guide you to safety. Reaching out is a sign of strength, and your life matters.