Our baby boy, Liam, left us at the age of 15, on December 22nd, 2024 after his battle with epilepsy. As we have reflected on his life, so many great moments and memories have come to light through all of the people, places, and things that he experienced during his lifetime.
From the start of his life, Liam was a very happy, loving and outgoing boy. He was the great “includer”. He never wanted to have anyone miss out. He would make sure to include everyone. Everywhere he went, he would gather his friends around him. Liam was an ally to his LGBTQ+ friends and family. He was also known as the “Great Dispenser of Facts”. Anything that he was interested in, he would learn every detail about it and was able to recall and relay back everything he knew about it. He was his Mom’s GPS and made sure she always found where she parked the car.
He was a 9th grade student at Mountain Heights Academy. Even though it was an online school, Liam fostered deep and lasting connections and friendships with students and teachers around the state.
He had a deep love for all animals, especially cats. He was the big brother and leader of the pack of his furry siblings. If anyone in the neighborhood needed pet-sitting, he was your man. He would make sure to spoil those furry friends rotten while you were gone.
No matter what, he would give us the best hugs. We are so happy that this continued into his teenage years.
He loved 3d printing, video games with friends and listening to music. Most of all he loved to fly his RC planes. He named his plane’s Gerald (no idea why) and Rudolph, because it was red and it flies. He was learning new skills in home remodeling projects. Most of all he loved to share. Please, enjoy the Liam “I am” Strong playlist from his favorite songs. Any songs that you want to share with him, please reach out to us and we will add it.
Scan this barcode in the camera search function of the Spotify app:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5ptABornuXTSdUi15LMPrq?si=_YOFEyLEQzKiRrFv4je6lA
He was proud of his Paraguayan heritage. He loved the food, especially alfajores and milanesa, the culture and his maté. His passing was felt by many special people around the world. Our heart and his heart go out to all of those who will be morning far away from here.
As a practitioner and instructor of Shaolin Kempo martial arts under the guidance of Sensei Mark Diaz, Liam earned the rank of Second Degree Brown Belt. Liam was awarded the rank of Black Belt on December 23rd, 2024. As an assistant instructor, Liam was able to touch the lives of so many young children. Liam loved each and every student like a brother or sister. Thank you to Sensei Paige, Sensei Stephen, Sensei Jay, and Master Martin and Grand Master Lynton for being part of his journey. As a lasting tribute to Liam, the Dojo’s gym was named the Liam “I am” Strong Gym. For his karate family, each and every one of you can say “I am Strong”, because you are.
Even though we are heartbroken, we will live our lives as he wanted to live. We will sing those stupid songs, dance to his music, laugh at the jokes that would make him laugh. We will watch the movies that he would watch and eat way too much popcorn while we sit in each other’s embrace. We will start new hobbies. Every kick, every punch, every board we break, we will use it as a chance to grow closer to him. We will love everyone and make sure no one is left out. We will fly RC planes and feel the freedom of flight from our worries and cares as we soar above this world. We will not miss an opportunity to hug each other and tell each other how much we love each other and how much he loved all of you. As hard as it is to say goodbye, we will hold this time as one of the best times of our lives, because he was a part of it.
More than one thing can be true at the same time. We are heartbroken. We are devastated at his sudden loss. But we are also happy. We are happy that he touched so many lives. We are happy that he had a chance to mentor the next generation of martial artists. We are happy that he was an ally. We are happy that he stood up to defend his friends from bullying. We are happy to forever be his Mom, his Dad, his friend, his teacher, and his student. He taught us so many great things during his life. It will always be us three against the world.
For those of us who are hurting, we want you to know that he loved each and every one of you. For his friends, thank you for your kindness and friendship that you shared. For his teachers, thank you for being part of his life and part of his “fact finding” journey. To his dog and cat friends, Ella, Max, Michi, Mu and Flynn, thank you for giving him so much joy. For his martial arts family, thank you for all of the kicks, the punches, and every "Kiai" (気合). Thank you for every time you threw him to the ground and reached out a hand to help him up. Thank you to his RC plane mentor, who taught him to soar above it all (and also shot him with a few paintballs). Thank you to the first responders from South Jordan Station 62 and the South Jordan police officers who were there by his side and did everything they could to save our little boy. And a special thank you to our two neighbors, who descended like angels into our home as our boy’s life slipped away from us and helped us perform life saving efforts until the first responders arrived. For holding us and comforting us through the most difficult time of our life.
We encourage anyone who may be in need of mental health help to reach out to the appropriate mental health professional or school counselor. We encourage everyone to seek out first aid and CPR training in case of emergency situations.
We love each and every person who has touched Liam’s life. We want you to tell us your stories about him, tell us your jokes and useless facts, and shout out the biggest “KIAI” of your life for him.
In lieu of donations or flowers, we kindly ask for a donation to be made in his name to Nuzzles & Co. Pet Rescue and Adoption or your local pet adoption charity. https://nuzzlesandco.org/donate
A private family memorial will be held for Liam. A public Celebration of Life for friends and others will be held at a later date.
Guestbook/Condolences
Mi más sentido pésame Les mando un abrazo en mi familia siempre estaremos para ustedes en todo momento los queremos
Liam, you will always be in my heart. I have loved you since the day you were born and I will love you forever. I will remember the beautiful moments I had the chance to share it with you. It hurts very deeply to know that you are gone. I miss you, but I know I will see you again one day and that I will have the opportunity to hug you again. Love you, Karen
There's no answer to the terrible anguish that a parent must feel to lose their only child. I know without a doubt that Liam's heart was too big for this world, and God needed him, and we selfishly want him back. He made me feel so loved whether it was playing the piano, teaching me Minecraft, throwing the football, and other things that he was so ahead of his age. I remember having a big contract in Phoenix on a hi rise building, and while I was operating the 150 ft machine, Liam called me, and gave me comfort. I know he is with Grandma and Grandpa, and his uncle playing the piano, and showing them all of his amazing talents. I hope, and pray that Kyle, and Ines will somehow, some way find the strength needed to manage this agonizing loss. This simple Bible verse resembles everything Liam lived 1 Corinthians 16:14: "Do everything in love!" I hope that we can all live up to that standard. Peggy, and I will always be here for Kyle, and Ines in whatever way we can. There's nothing more painful the two of us have ever had to endure than learning of this tragic incident. We will never understand what Kyle and Ines are feeling. Just know we love you two so much, and wouldn't be where we are at without the love of you two. You two are the best examples we have in our lives.
Fue un placer compartir un tiempo con esta familia, corto pero significativo., conocer a Liam siendo un niño...vivaz, alegre y divertido.
Un recuerdo de gratitud, por conocer y compartir un momento perdurable más allá del tiempo y la distancia.
Inesita!!! Y familia sentimos en el alma esta partida de Liam . Les estimamos y acompañamos espiritualmente en estos momentos.
VUELA ALTO ADORABLE LIAM!!!
.We will miss you, Liam. You brought joy and warmth to our lives in ways words can't fully express. we may have had our differences and may have got into arguments but you made everyone feel valued and appreciated. As we say our goodbyes, we cherish the memories we've shared together. May you rest in peace, knowing how deeply you are loved and remembered. Your spirit will live on in our hearts, guiding us and inspiring us to be better. Thank you for everything. I hope there is a god so you can go to heaven. goodbye liam goodbye forever-sincerely- a taekwondo second dan dog lover fnaf lore know it all aiden fisher
Nuestras más sinceras condolencias a la familia de Lyam. Dios lo tenga en su gloria. Aunque no conocimos personalmente a Lyam estamos seguros que era un joven maravilloso y amoroso con todos los que lo rodeaban. No podemos imaginar el dolor inmenso que su familia y amigos más cercanos estan sintiendo. Vamos a rezar por su alma. Dios bendiga a Lyam.
I'm so sorry for your loss, he seemed like such a bright and funny kid. I just lost my brother a few weeks ago and know that death can be rough. Especially when it happens to those who don't deserve it. I wish you guys the best going forward. I know this isn't much, but I hope it's enough to help you get through these rough times. Also, he had great music taste, there was a lot of songs that he had saved that I also have on my playlist. You guys raised him right. Our condolences from my family to yours.
You keep it real liam you could make a day seem as if it were the rising tide breathing air for the first with so much wonder in this world I hope you got to see most of what you wanted I'm dedicating a song to you its called "All dawgz go 2 heaven" because you where my homie a real one your gonna make it to heaven dog so when there to worry bout' us we gotchu were gonna keep your memory alive and breathin'. You are a light in a glass cup you sent your rays of love. I'm not gonna stay low but ill be low ill fall but ill pick myself up you do the same.
What a beautiful tribute to your son. My condolences to your family
Liam lived up the street from me and we were friends in elementary school. I remember going to the movies with him and making funny Lego videos at his house. He was so kind to everyone and always made sure everybody was included. I remember him still waving to me in the hallways before he went online. My condolences to his sweet parents and family.
I’m honestly shocked- sending my condolences to the family. Liam and I haven’t talked much since sixth grade, but we had birthdays in the same week and he was always sweet enough to text me every year to wish me a happy birthday and ask what I did. He was funny and incredibly smart- Rest in peace Liam
Liam was one of my first friends at mountain creek. I honestly cant believe he is gone, this is a very tragic thing to hear about and I send my condolences to his family, teachers, and other friends he's made from me and and those who knew him at mountain creek. Rest in peace buddy, I will never forget the amazing things you have done to bring me and others joy in life! KIAI!!!
Liam was one of my friends at Mountain heights. I just heard about his passing this month in June because I got pulled out of online and went to in person. I'm so sorry for your loss. Liam was really funny and sweet. Me and him would stay up until like 3 am texting. He was so amazing to talk to. Sad I never got to see him in person but the memories still count.
still missed