I ask for your thoughts, prayers, and just love our way as we navigate the loss of someone truly special to the house of mess. Hired by me the middle of last year, we became fast friends. He is Brooklyns best friend. He worked so hard without me asking, he was a father, a coach, and an amazing friend. He wanted to learn and do well for us, always. Since we would shoot over multiple nights, we would all end up having sleepovers. Sowe became quite close. He has been a shoulder to cry on, someone to complain to about my weight gain (bc of medications for a cancerous tumor) he would laugh along with me when I would tell him to "shoot it where all my fat doesn't show" lol. He truly cared about everyone around him. He wasn't involved in any kind of anything where this "could have" happened to him. It just did. For no good reason at all. I know he talked to me a lot about him being mixed and how people were so awful to him because of it. As an adult! They both live in a small, podunk town soit sounddd about right but I still couldn't understand that kind of hatred in 2025. I don't know if this was fueled by that or notI'm grasping at straws bc he literally, was the best dad, the best coach to all these kids, and he was the absolute hardest worker I have ever had. He really did try. I kept telling him "you can get up closer!" And he said he didn't want us to feel uncomfortable. He was just a gentleman. His loss is immeasurableand I'm just crushed. Brooklyn? Her and her children (who he treated like his own-even though they were just best friends) are absolutely devastated as well. It is just horrible. I'm ranting, I'm sorry. I just don't understand why it seems the good people.the truly, down to earth, amazing, huge hearted people, have to needlessly die bc some 20 year old KID just shot him in the face. I'm shivering as I type this. Please just send some good vibes as we all mourn him, put him to rest and try to navigate this. It will be so hard to shoot without thinking of him bc he came to every single one. He wanted to help. He wanted to get better. Or he wanted to just make things easier on us. Mostly? I am going to miss long talks and his amazing laugh and upbeat personality and attitude. It is a sad day for the house of mess and for his family and friends. His children thank you for reading. Much love to you all. Hug your friends and loved ones tight every time you can
I'm speechless. I really don't know what to say to even begin to make anyone feel better. I felt like I had to say something after hearing that, but I am at a loss for words. So sorry.
There are no words. I am so sorry for your loss doesn't even begin to scratch the surface. Please reach out if you need anything, and wishing you all the best.
What the fuck is wrong with our society??!!! His family is going to need support for the rest of their lives. Something fucked up that happens in America that people do not talk about a lot is victim impact. Because of the nature of our prison system, if this guy gets the opportunity for parole, this man's family will be notified and given the option to provide a victim impact statement. Where they get to relive everything. I have a friend whose dad was killed during a home invasion robbery before she was born. Every few years she gets a letter from the prison board notifying her about a parole hearing. She is the only one left of his family and gets to think back about her life growing up without a father because of what this person did. It is rough for her when it happens and she struggles for about a week with things.
Reading this announcement made me very sad, even as i have never met or get to know any of you irl. Such a useless deed, committed by someone who hasn't even begun to understand the fragility of the great and beautiful things in life.
A dutch saying came to mind: The most beautiful flowers are taken first. I do realize mentioning this here provides very, very little comfort, if any, for such an incomprehensible loss. Of course you'd wanted to enjoy his presence for many years longer.
Take your time to mourn him, but try to move on when you'll feel ready for it and continue in his spirit. Things will never be the same, but moving on in his spirit is probably the best way to cherish the memories and honour his life.
Jayce, my heart absolutely breaks for you, for Brooklyn, for his family, and for everyone whose lives he touched.
Reading your words, it's so clear how special he was -- not just as someone who worked hard and brought positivity to the House of Mess, but as a truly kind and genuine soul. It's rare to find people who give so much of themselves without ever asking for anything back, and from what you shared, he seemed to be exactly that kind of person.
I can only imagine how hard it must be to lose someone so full of light and love, especially in such a senseless way. The way you described his laughter, his warmth, and how much he cared really brought him to life in your post -- and it's clear he'll never be forgotten.
His energy will live on in all the joy, creativity, and connection you bring to this community and to everyone around you.
Please know that you're surrounded by people who care deeply for you and are sending you strength, love, and peace as you navigate this. Take whatever time you need to grieve, to remember, and to heal.
Love you, too
thank you for reading. Much love to you all. Hug your friends and loved ones tight every time you can 
