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Tag: George Mason University
Dancers Mourn Loss Of Popular Virginia Instructor Johnathan 'Jeigh Tea' Thomas
He had charm. He had grace. He was a unique ray of light.
This is how Johnathan Thomas, or Jeigh Tea, is being remembered.
The 38-year-old Alexandria dance instructor died on May 30, 2024, according to his obituary on the Jefferson Funeral Chapel website.
A GoFundMe launched for Jeigh Tea's loved ones had raised more than $7,600 as of press time.
An innate performer, Jeigh Tea was "a trained dancer, a trusted coach, and an insightful, full person with an incredible sense of self and style," his obituary reads. "His love and his friendship was a privilege for those who knew him for it was …
Northern VA Soccer Community Mourns Loss Of Coaching Legend Ken Krieger, 69
The death of one of the region's most successful soccer coaches has left Northern Virginia grieving.
Ken Krieger, of Manassas, died Monday, March 4. He was 69 years old.
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A post shared by Ali Krieger (@alikrieger)
Krieger's brother, Scott, said he died of Alzheimer's, "a dreaded disease that first robbed him of his mind, then proceeded to shut down his body.
"He will missed not only by his family, but by the many students, players, coaches, teachers, colleagues and friends whose lives he touched," Scott said. …
Speeding Driver Charged In Crash That Killed 27-Year-Old Engineer In Fairfax County
Charges have been filed against a 53-year-old driver who was speeding before a crash that killed a 27-year-old motorcyclist in Fairfax County, police said.
Gael Cruchet, 53, of Ashburn was driving the 2016 Acura TLX well above the posted speed limit when they struck Zafeer Piracha, of Lorton, on Rt. 28 in Centreville on Friday, Nov. 27, police said.
Piracha was ejected from the bike and pronounced dead at the scene.
Cruchet was taken to a local hospital with injuries considered not life-threatening, and on Friday, Dec. 15, was served a summons releasable charge for reckless driving – speed…
Financial Controller, Fairfax County Dad Victor Lee Dies, 37: 'Unforgettable Person'
Support is surging for the family of Victor Lien Chun Lee, a Fairfax County dad who died on Nov. 9. He was 37 years old.
More than $23,000 had been raised on a GoFundMe for Victor's wife, Caitlyn, and children, James and Caroline, as of Saturday, Nov. 18. The campaign says Victor died after an 11-month battle with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia.
"Victor fought the hardest battle of his life and has left this world all too soon," Vanessa Roca writes.
"We are honored to have known him and thankful to be able to continue on his memory. Victor was a dedicated & loving husband a…
Catherine Fannon, Fairfax County Teacher, Dies Unexpectedly, 27
Mary Catherine Fannon of Alexandria died on Monday, Oct. 30 in her sleep, according to her obituary. She was 27 years old.
Catherine played basketball and lacrosse at West Potomac High School and went to to earn her bachelor's degree in sociology from East Carolina University, her obituary reads.
She had been working as an enhanced autism teacher at Belle View Elementary School in Fairfax County, simultaneously working toward her Masters in Special Education from George Mason University.
Catherine is survived by her parents, Jack and Kelly; siblings Kristen Fannon, Matthew Fannon, Jak…
Fairfax County's Nicholas Hoy Dies Week Before Marrying College Sweetheart
Support is on the rise for a bride-to-be who lost her Fairfax County husband a week before their wedding.
Nicholas Robert Hoy, of Vienna, died Sunday, Sept. 10, due to a medical emergency, according to his obituary and a GoFundMe page.
A GoFundMe for Nick's fiance, Haley Benetti, said the cause of death was an unexplained medical emergency. The campaign had raised more than $12,800 as of Thursday, Sept. 14.
Nick was a standout athlete growing up, having won the Northern Virginia Regional Championship in wrestling and played lacrosse for the Virginia State Championship.
He went …
Driver Charged In Crash That Killed Teen Girl, Hospitalized More In Fairfax County
A 42-year-old man has been charged in a crash that left a 17-year-old girl dead and three other teens critical last month in Fairfax County.
Jose Angel Zelaya, of Burke, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the crash that killed Rebekah "Bekah" Zarco on Burke Center Parkway on Tuesday, July 18, officials said.
Zelaya was going nearly double the 40 mph speed limit just before the crash, that left Bekah's brother critical, and seriously injured two others.
Bekah Zarco.GoFundMe photo
Bekah's brother, David, a talented soccer player, was recovering in the ICU, …
Real Life Peter Pan Spreads Magical Joy Across The DMV
The best magicians are the ones with Peter Pan syndrome, says Drew Kennerley.
And he's the first to admit, he's no different.
"The best magicians have to be a kid at heart," said 28-year-old Kennerley, who may be better known across northern Virginia as his stage name, Drew Blue Shoes.
Drew has been making life magical with children's shows at libraries, carnivals and birthday parties since he was 15. And he wouldn't have it any other way.
Armed with his trusty sidekick, Chicken Nugget — a rubber chicken — Drew dons a red bow tie, top hat, suit jacket, and of course, his hallmark blue sh…
Magician Persevered To Make Childhood Dream Come True — Now He Spreads Joy Across Northern VA
The best magicians are the ones with Peter Pan syndrome, says Drew Kennerley.
And he's the first to admit, he's no different.
"The best magicians have to be a kid at heart," said 28-year-old Kennerley, who may be better known across northern Virginia as his stage name, Drew Blue Shoes.
Drew has been making life magical with children's shows at libraries, carnivals and birthday parties since he was 15. And he wouldn't have it any other way.
Armed with his trusty sidekick, Chicken Nugget — a rubber chicken — Drew dons a red bow tie, top hat, suit jacket, and of course, his hallmark blue sh…
Patrick King, 45, Mourned As Pillar Of Prince William County
Patrick King, a pillar of the community in Prince William County, died at home alongside his life partner, Rebecca Barnes. He was 45 years old.
In a Facebook post, Barnes said:
"The love of my life, Patrick King, passed unexpectedly in his sleep this morning [Wednesday, May 31]. The loss is unspeakable. I will post plans when we have them, but let me share that if he had known this was his last week on earth, he couldn't have planned a much better week.
"Disney World, visits with his brother, close friends, and family, motorcycle riding, drinking around the world at Epcot, stop…
Sudden Death Of Northern Virginia Dad Ray Obregon Jr. Sends Shockwaves Through Community
A community is in shock after the sudden death of a young Fairfax father just days before Christmas, according to a GoFundMe created to help support his family.
Raymond J. Obregon, Jr., 34, suddenly passed away on Monday, Dec. 19. He leaves behind a daughter, and numerous beloved family members, according to his obituary.
"Raymond was a perpetual learner, a faithful follower of God, and a proud father", stated organizer Meghan Leatherwood. "His short time here on Earth has taught us many lessons about love, forgiveness, and faith. Raymond's legacy will live on forever, especially through hi…
George Mason Athletic Director To Assume New Role As CEO Of NFL Alumni
George Mason University's athletic director, who also serves as the school's assistant vice president, will soon take on a new role with NFL Alumni, WTOP said.
After his eight-year tenure, Bradford Edwards will leave the Fairfax County school in October and become the CEO of the NFL's prestigious, nonprofit organization, the website said.
Edwards, a former NFL player himself, said he is excited for the new gig, but will remember his time and work at GMU fondly, WTOP reported.
Click here for more from WTOP.
VA Resident Who Brought E-Sport Events To DMV Dead At 32
Ray Bulaclac used gaming as a way to bring people together.
He passed away at the young age of 32 on August 19 in his Herndon home, his obituary said.
The Virginia native was never far from home for too long, spending his younger years at Western Branch High School and George Mason University, the obituary said.
Bulaclac, nicknamed "Babycakes" founded the organization, D.C. Esports, which brought avid e-gamers together in the Metro area, the obituary stated.
"In his spare time, he loved bringing his friends together at concerts, restaurants, and whatever exciting event was next on th…
