Loved ones of Xavier Guevara, who was known for playing guitar in local Tallahassee bands, have started a GoFundMe to help his family with expenses after his death in a car crash.
Guevara, 22, died March 21 after his car crashed into an exterior wall at the Target store on West Tennessee Street. The Tallahassee Police Department is investigating the single-vehicle crash but has not released details on how it occurred.
Known as “Xavi,” Guevara was born in Puerto Rico and moved to Virginia when he was 10 with his parents and two sisters. After graduating from high school, he moved to Tallahassee.
A family friend who created the GoFundMe wrote that his family is heartbroken and grieving. The family asked that instead of flowers, friends and loved ones contribute to the fundraiser to help bring his belongings back to Virginia.
“Your love, prayers, and support mean more to them than words can express, and they are profoundly grateful for your kindness during this time of grief,” the GoFundMe says. “Thank you for keeping the Guevara family in your thoughts and for surrounding them with compassion and care.”
A celebration of his life was held March 26 at Christ Presbyterian Church on Bannerman Road. His obituary says he grew up in a large, close-knit family in which “Bendición” was the first word spoken “to receive God’s blessing,” followed by hugs and kisses.
“Food, music, and family gatherings were a weekly tradition – especially Sundays – bringing everyone together to connect and bond with the elders,” the obituary says. “Grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins, who lovingly called him ‘Guingui,’ would gather to enjoy family time, music and the cuisine of Abuelo José and Abuela Ana.”
His obituary says he moved to Florida to pursue his studies and enjoy warmer weather. He settled in Tallahassee, where he found a “second sense of belonging” with his bandmates and friends and love with his girlfriend, Tylen.
“His extended family of friends cherished his quirkiness, humor, and energy, but most of all, his kindness,” the obituary says. “Xavi was humble, honest, caring, altruistic, and loving – a person who would always offer a hug and ask how you were, truly meaning it.”
He was a guitarist and member of the bands Mutual Friends and Curly Q, which called him in an Instagram post “one of the kindest people to have ever walked this planet.”
“His absence in this world will not go unnoticed for this is a loss we will carry with us for the rest of our lives,” the post said. “We’ll be taking some time to process and figure out what’s next for the band but I think it’s safe to say we won’t continue without him. We love you Xavi.”
Guevara, who was also known as Guevara Arroyo, was survived by his parents, Nestor and Frances, his sisters, Cristina and Paola, and nephews Damian, Dario and Alessandra.
“His life, though brief, was filled with passion and meaning,” his obit says. “He will be deeply missed, and his music and spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.”
Contact Jeff Burlew at jburlew@tallahassee.com or 850-599-2180.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee musician Xavier Guevara dies, family starts GoFundMe
Reporting by Jeff Burlew, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
