Please Help Aaron Yabut's Widow & Young Children

Aaron Yabut, loving father of Sophia (14) and Luke (12), and beloved husband of Melissa, was unexpectedly taken from his family long before his time, passing on Sunday August 7th, 2022.  Just seven days earlier, on Sunday July 31st, Melissa found Aaron in their home, mostly unresponsive and unable to recognize his wife.  Following a 911 call, an ambulance transported Aaron to the hospital near their Riverview, Florida home.  He was diagnosed with a brain hemorrhage and quickly life flighted to a second hospital, St. Joseph’s, in Tampa.   On the morning of August 1st, surgeons relieved the pressure that was building within his skull due to the brain bleed.  Following the surgery, he remained in a non-medically induced coma.

 

Some things to know about Aaron:  he was born and raised on the gulf coast in Pensacola, Florida, where he graduated from Pensacola High School and Pensacola State College.  He worked at Navy Federal Credit Union for 18 years, in Pensacola and Tampa, serving in several customer facing roles during that time.  Always quick with a smile, he was fun loving and the life of the party on the dance floor.  Outside of work, he was especially drawn to the arts, and even won a part in a local theatre rendition of the Lord of the Rings, playing the role of Balin.  Together with Melissa, Sophia, Luke, and other family and friends, they also loved to find time for all things Marvel Universe, and their family dogs, Rocky and Arrow. 

 

We realized the gravity of Aaron’s medical condition early on during the week of August 1st.  Extended family gathered at the hospital that week, driving and flying into Tampa to hold vigil.  The week was full of tears and hope; grief and love; and all too many emotional swings.  We also learned of other patients that have experienced similar medical emergencies, including instances where patients woke up again, which gave us much needed hope.

 

On Friday August 5th, a wonderful nurse named Jen was explaining to Aaron what she was doing to him: she was turning off the ventilator so he could get some time breathing on his own, so that he would not lose too much strength.  As she was talking to Aaron, he opened his eyes, and gave her a thumbs up!  Everyone’s hopes soared. 

 

But the next morning, the head doctor broke the devasting news:  while Aaron still had brainwaves, there was simply too much brain damage and he could not recover.  The bleeding would not stop.  There was nothing else the doctors could do to help him.  On the afternoon of Sunday, August 7th, Aaron took his last breath, with family by his side.

 

We do not know what the future holds for Melissa, Sophia, and Luke.  Today their hearts are broken.  Future dreams must change.  They will be strong.  They will carry a part of Aaron in their hearts always, but there will forever be a void in their lives.  And so we hope to help ease their financial burden, so they can focus on what matters most right now:  each other.  There are unknown medical bills and a shattered household to sustain.  We know so many are hurting in this world, including our Melissa, Sophia and Luke.  If you can help them, it will sustain a young family in need.  And if you can only pray for them, we understand, and pray that God may bless you and keep you.

 

Our brother will be greatly missed!

With love, 
Lindi Messina, sister of Aaron

Mike Yabut, brother of Aaron

Joe Yabut, brother of Aaron