In Loving Memory of Christian Andy Diaz

While sobbing in absolute brokenness and despair, barely able to utter a single word, she said: “I just want my son back, I want to hold him - hug him - and smell him, I need my son.” These were the words murmured from the depth of Maricela “Jojo” Sotelos’ aching heart and soul, who is now faced with the reality of having to grieve/mourn a son, her youngest boy, her Chris. 
  
Saturday, April 9, 2022: at age 27, our beloved, Christian Andy Diaz, went to his eternal home with God in heaven. It is with enormous sadness and heaviness that we must now share this shattering news with you all. His death was sudden and entirely unexpected. Family, friends, and everyone fond of Chris — are trying hard to grasp what recently occurred, the thoughts and questions we are left with are, “What?!” “Why?!” and “How?!” We don’t have any answers. All we do know is: one minute he was totally fine, next moment he expressed feeling very dizzy, then- he collapsed. Never could any one of us fathom this situation would conclude with E.R. doctors verbalizing to our family the shocking words of Chris passing. A nightmare! Life sure does know how to make zero sense at times, and this life is also an expert at throwing those curveballs too. 
  
Someone once said, “God sure does know how to call home the absolute best first.” And this statement could not be any further from the truth. Chris would look at his mom with his charming puppy eyes, and ask her if she can please make him a sandwich (because moms do make the absolute best sandwiches), and-of-course, being the uber amazing mother she is, she couldn’t say no; adorable in so many ways, it was hard to not grant his [always simple] requests… because he was such a ham, so sweet, and endearing. Chris fully enjoyed chilling out at home and took much gladness in watching movies and basketball games with his queen, his mother (he was an avid basketball fanatic!). He was someone who had much passion for the arts and creativity of music (rap music in particular). He was a tattoo enthusiast, and every tattoo had a deep, personal, and profound meaning for him. Chris personified light and positivity, if ever the room became too quiet or awkward, he was a pro at resetting the mood and stirring up some laughter. He had the gift of the gab, he made acquaintances and friends easily. His life was a testament to hardly ever allowing circumstances get the best of him; a rarity to witness such a person who refused to get highly upset, and if once in a hundred thousand blue moons he felt angry, it actually lasted only a handful of minutes, then- he was right back to his full of life and pouring out love self. Chris had the gentlest heart imaginable, a sensitive spirited human, a purity and somewhat child-like innocence in nature to him, and one who was intentional about seizing the moment. Chris was the perfect example of what it meant to make family a priority, to forever remain loyal to his loved ones, and with every fiber of his being — they are what unquestionably gave him a sense of purpose in life. Chris embodied the true meaning of being selfless, a young adult who was his family's safety net in many ways, he consistently met the needs of his family's complex dynamic and home-life settings, and without complaint. While he treasured all his siblings, and was overprotective of each of them, he and Louie, specifically, had a special bond and unique relationship. They were best friends who spent an incalculable amount of time in each other’s presence; without hesitation he willingly applied himself toward being his best bud's helper. Chris presented humility, peace, and cheer. We will never forget the grace he gave us so openly. We promise to honor all the beauty he taught us in his valuable simplicity, the ways he chose to be satisfied with the little, because he didn’t ask for much at all. In his own way, he freely gave so much. 
  
Christian Andy Diaz is survived by mother, Maricela “Jojo” Sotelo; father, Hugo Diaz; brother, Adam Diaz; brother, Louie Diaz; and sister, Ashley Diaz; Chris was a fur-father to Zeus, his infinite best friend, his German Shepard (and don’t you dare say otherwise, this good boy, Zeus, was definitely Chris’s fur-son! Insert smile here!).
  
You all have been our rock in these recent days. Where would we be without your support and care, on full display and clearly evident in our lives? The widespread outreach of genuine comfort and togetherness is literally carrying us. We can say “thank you” a million times over and still — it won’t truly convey our gratitude to you all! We feel all your encouragement and your prayers. When all is said and done, even at our lowest, with tears — desperately, no matter how hard things may get, we carry each other — family and friends, and we push through tragedy. 
  
We kindly ask each of you to please share this GoFundMe on your social media platforms, and via text to all family and friends (immediate family, extended family, and our Costco family). This is the official and only GoFundMe created for our forever cherished, precious, and one-of-a-kind, Chris. We vow to honor his life and legacy. 
  
All funds generously donated here will be applied to dreadfully now having to plan a funeral and burial, every detail in between this gut-wrenching process in its entirety, and the needs of the Maricela “Jojo” Sotelo family.