WSMV, Mount Juliet, Tennessee Neighbors in Mount Juliet are gathering to honor 16-year-old Kyler Gatica, whose life was brutally taken too soon in a car accident. During autumn break, Kyler died in a car accident on the way back from a family beach vacation. According to his family, he is a happy and compassionate individual, and his mother, Stephanie Gatica, has been incredibly moved by the abundance of love and support they have received. Stephanie said, “We knew we had a special boy in our home, but we had no idea what kind of impact he had on strangers, and we are so incredibly proud of him.” While Kyler was attending Mount Juliet High School, his peers had.
According to his mother, these actions demonstrate how much Kyler meant to those in his immediate vicinity. Stephanie described him as the kind of child that everyone adored. Kyler, who was well-known for his generosity, spirit, and competitiveness, had a promising future. He aspired to be a radiologist and loved playing basketball and volleyball. Prior to the disaster, he was already receiving offers of college scholarships. Stephanie remarked, “I was meant to be organizing graduation and prom, not a funeral.”
He was the type of child that everyone absolutely loved,” Stephanie said.
Known for his kindness, competitiveness, and big heart, Kyler had a bright future ahead of him. He loved basketball and volleyball, and he had dreams of becoming a radiologist. College scholarships were already being offered to him before the accident.
“I was supposed to be planning prom and graduation, not a funeral,” Stephanie said.
As his family tries to cope with this unimaginable loss, his father, Matt Gatica, shared a message for his son.
“We love you, son. You’ll be missed every minute of our lives… but we know you’re resting in God’s hands now,” Matt said.
The community vigil will give neighbors, friends, and classmates a chance to come together to grieve and remember Kyler. His family says they’ll always cherish the fun memories they made, especially during their final beach trip.
A candlelight vigil will be held Thursday at 6 p.m. at Mount Juliet High School to honor his memory.
A GoFundMe page has been created to support the Gatica family during this difficult time.
