March 21, 2025, marked a heartbreaking day for the family and friends of Johan Brenes, a 12-year-old boy from Cary, North Carolina, who lost his life in a tragic car accident while on a trip with his father, Max, in South Carolina.
Johan, remembered by those who loved him as a vibrant, kind-hearted, and deeply compassionate young boy, died on the evening of Friday, March 21. The accident is currently under investigation, and the family is awaiting autopsy results—standard protocol in such devastating incidents.
Johan’s death has sent shockwaves through his community, both in Cary and beyond. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to support his grieving family in the wake of this unimaginable tragedy. The campaign’s organizer, a close family friend, shared moving words about Johan and the profound impact he had on those around him.
“I have known the family since Johan was 4 months old, and he was my son’s best friend,” the organizer wrote. “Johan was an energetic, kind-hearted, and lovable child. Everyone who knew him knows how caring he was to everyone around him.”
Known for his spirit on and off the soccer field, Johan was the first to lift his teammates’ spirits with a high five or check in on a friend who was having a bad day. Though his family relocated from Boston to North Carolina three years ago, Johan’s warmth and genuine nature left lasting impressions wherever he went.
He leaves behind his mother, Marika, and two younger sisters, Eloisa (10) and Laurel (7), who are devastated by the loss of their beloved brother. The GoFundMe page notes the urgent need for grief therapy for the girls and support for the many expenses that now lie ahead.
“There will be bills and expenses that the family will need to endure as they try to pick up the pieces,” the campaign explains. “In the meantime, if you are able to give to this beautiful family, it would be greatly appreciated.”
Details regarding memorial services will be shared when the family is ready.
As friends, loved ones, and the community rally around the Brenes family, Johan’s memory will live on through the countless lives he touched in his short yet meaningful time here.
To donate to the GoFundMe campaign for Johan Brenes’ family, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-johans-grieving-family
May Johan’s memory be a blessing, and may his family find strength and healing in the support of those around them.