In Loving Memory of Braeden C. Sato

Posted Monday ( 4/29 ) @2:35pm

Update 1 ( 5/1 ) - We passed $4,444 @6:51pm

Update 2 ( 5/7 ) - We exceeded 100 donors @6:15pm

Update 3 ( 5/19 ) - We passed $8,888

Update 4 ( 5/22 ) - A charity will be decided before 6/30

Update 5 ( 7/15 ) - We're setting up transfers for an non-profit under Braeden's name

On the morning of April 22nd, Braeden had passed away while on his way to work. He was only 21 and only 17 days away from his 22nd birthday falling on May 9th. A beloved son, brother, nephew, partner, friend, coworker, and much more.

Those of us that knew him personally knows the positive energy that he'd carried with him as well as a heart bigger than the world. Braeden was loved by so many, with his infectious laughter and personality touching the lives of those that knew him. His presence alone was able to light up a room. He had a passion of being there for others when he could. If you'd asked, he'd be there without question. If you just needed someone to be there or someone to listen, you could count on Braeden. That's just who he was.

Along with our memories of him, he leaves behind his best friend and son, a 2 year old Siberian husky named Koji.

All donations will go towards a charity or organization of Braeden's family's choice. One hasn't been chosen yet but it will be towards something that Braeden cared about, for example : Youth Basketball Programs. He'd wanted to coach the youth in the sport of basketball last year. Anything and everything is appreciated. There isn't a limit, he just proudly wore #4 when he was breaking ankles.

His HS accolades being :

On behalf of Braeden's family and those that knew him, thank you in advance for your generosity, love, and willingness to help out in any way you can. It means the world.

From some of the people that were closest to Braeden -

"Braeden was such a big part of my life through all the good and bad and we were both of each other’s “first love”. He was truly an amazing person who wanted to make people smile and laugh and we never stopped laughing with each other. I am so grateful to have shared so many memories with him and I could always count on him to be there for me through anything. I hope he really knows how many of us still love him and cared so deeply for him. I’m so grateful to have met this beautiful soul and to have been there for him at the end to hold his hand. I know Koji and I will see you once again someday."

- Autumn Mann

"I had the pleasure of being Braeden’s manager and there was never a dull moment when he was around. We had this running joke…he said I was his “work mom” and he definitely played the part of being my “son”. He knew how to annoy me and push my buttons and of course he found it so hilarious. That was Braeden; funny, loud, always the center of attention. Most of all though he was kind. Like genuinely so kind and thoughtful. In the nearly three years I knew him, he never missed a birthday, Mother’s Day, or holiday text. He’d always offer to pick up coffee; he even brought me a gift back from his vacation. I am so happy I saw him last week when he came by the store to say hi and just catch up. I will always remember Braeden for being so kind and considerate, and for the honor of being his “work mom.”

- Kristen Li Robinson

"Since the beginning of me working at Din Tai Fung when I first met Braeden you could always hear him before you saw him. It was the best, if he was there that day then you knew it was going to be a good day because he was going to make you laugh whether you wanted to or not. He would either make you laugh at his goofy jokes or the ridiculous things he would say to you just to get a reaction. I was lucky enough to get to know him more as he trained me in the food running department and when we started to hang out more outside of work too. He became a bright spot in my life and I never even realized it. I find it hard to think of one bad memory with him or one time where he didn’t try to make me laugh. I hope he knows how much he meant to not just me but everyone that knew him. Thank you Braeden, and I hope you’re flying high and free. "

- Nick Navarrete

"Braeden, truly was one of a kind. There’s no one out there with the energy he had, you always knew when we walked into a room with his loud yet funny presence haha. There’s so much to be said about this man yet nothing would change the outcome. He truly was a one of a kind person that we sadly lost from this world way too soon. He was a brother, a fellow rider, a very close friend. He was loved by many, cared for by many, and respected by many. Heaven gained a good one. I know he’s riding like no other up there. Love you Brae, we will ride again someday."

- Mateo Cruz

"Braeden was known for his playful nature and infectious spirit, always eager to bring a smile to anyone's face, whether a stranger or a close friend. He inspired others to embrace life fully, encouraging them to disregard societal judgments and instead follow their hearts. His boldness and natural leadership shone through, leaving a lasting impact on those around him. Though his untimely passing is a reminder of life's fragility, his legacy urges us to live with courage and pursue our passions wholeheartedly. It's evident that his spirit continues to thrive in the hearts of those he touched. We will always remember you, Braeden."

- Jessica Carl

"Braeden was the first person I met at Din Tai, little did I know how much of an impact he would go on to have on my life. Nobody knew how to push my buttons quite like him, but he also had this talent to get me laughing and singing instantly. His laugh was contagious and he had this energy that could bring joy and humor into any situation. He was like a little brother to me. Despite our bickering, I knew he always had my back and was watching out for me. I don’t think Braeden ever fully understood just how much we all loved him, and I would give anything to be able to tell him that now. Rest easy, kid."

- Naomi Lang

"Meeting Braeden was like stumbling upon a ray of sunshine in a cloudy sky. Each interaction with him was a symphony of shared stories, laughter, and genuine connection, weaving the fabric of unforgettable memories. Our first ride together was just the beginning of a friendship filled with laughter, deep conversations, and shared adventures. Whether it was him showing up unexpectedly at my work or messaging me for a ride, Braeden had a knack for making every moment memorable. His bubbly personality and boundless enthusiasm were contagious, lifting spirits and spreading joy wherever he went. Braeden’s impact on my life, and on everyone lucky enough to know him, was truly extraordinary."

- K

"My dear friend Braeden,

Braeden was the light in any room, spreading the abundance of joy he felt through motorcycle riding, playing basketball, and through his love of music. The example and positivity that Braeden carried completely changed my life. The advice and words he had shared with me, his happiness and joy he made sure to spread, the example he led for me and all our friends we shared, you couldn't ignore how special he is. I feel so lucky I was able to experience and share the passion of motorcycling with him. He had so much fun feeling free and sharing it with all our buddies and using his ninja turtle mask to make others crack up in traffic as we rode. He was an incredibly smart, wise and experienced soulful human in his short 21 years of life. He never judged me or anyone through what they went through or what they hadn't. He was a stellar friend, when Braeden was happy everyone was happy. It was impossible to be in any mood other than excited when I would go out riding with him. His death has a significant impact, and it is extremely difficult to process losing such an incredible person as he is. I will never forget the memories created with him or all the things we talked about. What a memorable friend that will hold a spot in our hearts forever. Thank you for the lessons, talks, memories, and good motorcycle rides. I will miss your soul and your imprint on my life. May you rest in peace my dear friend."

- I. Grant

"There are very few people I know that could radiate that 'little brother energy' like Braeden did and I couldn't tell you how much i'm going to miss it now. We met through work and he was the first person i'd become friends with there when we'd started our training in expos at the same time. After that it was history, we built memories through a friend group that'd gotten extremely close to each other in such a short amount of time. It was our own little family. From spontaneous adventures, drama, and talks that always lasted until 3am on that living room couch. He was one of the few people I knew that you could talk to about the things you don't talk about. Maybe joked about it but never truly judgmental. I'm glad I was able to watch that broccoli haired kid grow over time and become the caring person he was, all while maintaining his uncanny ability to make the people around him laugh and crack a smile when he was around. I'll miss the freestyles, laughs, your laugh, dancing, talks, and so much more.

Thank you for being who you were brotha. I'll see you when I see you yeah?"

- Chris Pham

I'll keep this page updated as much as I can.

Thank y'all again in advance.