The late Gabriel Silva passed away in the early morning hours of June 1st, 2024, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His passing came just hours after the heartbreaking decision to cease medical treatment and transition to hospice care to prioritize his comfort. Gabriel’s younger brother, Jonathan Juarez, is organizing a fundraiser to help cover the costs of laying him to rest.
Gabriel Silva was a constant presence in Jonathan’s life, especially after the death of their father 18 years ago and their mother’s lifelong struggle with addiction. Gabriel took on the role of caregiver, even as he moved to Arizona and continued to support Jonathan from afar. He was always concerned about his brother’s well-being, often checking in to ensure that his bills were paid and that he had money for essentials and leisure.
Gabriel’s journey was marked by tragedy and selflessness. He grew up with their older brother Lawrence, who was diagnosed with cancer and passed away in 2020. Gabriel cared for Lawrence during his final days on hospice, an experience that profoundly affected him. After Lawrence’s death, Gabriel’s drinking began, and the recent death of their mother exacerbated his struggle with alcohol.
For four years, Gabriel’s life was consumed by his battle with alcohol, a battle that ultimately took his life. Despite his own suffering, one of Gabriel’s last coherent wishes was for Jonathan to set up a fundraiser not to give him a grand funeral, but to help take care of Jonathan in his absence. This final act of selflessness reflects Gabriel’s character, always prioritizing his family’s needs over his own.
Jonathan’s fundraiser, with a goal of $6,000, aims to cover the costs of Gabriel’s funeral. This is the third death their family has experienced in less than two months, having already exhausted over $10,000 in end-of-life expenses. Jonathan expresses his deep gratitude for any contributions or shares of the fundraiser, highlighting the immense financial and emotional burden their family faces during this difficult time.
Note:This post was written and edited by Zoe Smith, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.