Joshua Fuqua, San Luis Obispo, CA—The community is mourning the loss of Joshua Fuqua, whose recent passing has left a profound void in the lives of many. Known for his electric personality and a smile that could light up any room, Joshua was deeply cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Joshua, affectionately known as "Fuqua" to his close friends, was an M.Ed. candidate at UCLA Graduate School of Education, with aspirations of becoming a teacher in Los Angeles. His dedication to education was evident in his work as a student success coach at City Year Los Angeles, where he spent 50 hours a week supporting students in English Language Arts (ELA) and math. Joshua’s passion for bridging the gap between quality education and under-resourced schools made a lasting impact on the students he served.
In addition to his commitment to education, Joshua had a vibrant life filled with diverse interests. He enjoyed skating, snowboarding at Mammoth and Big Bear, creating mixtapes with friends, and expressing himself through art, video games, and tattoos. His love for life was infectious, and he inspired those around him to live fully.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been organized by Amanda Martin to support Joshua’s family during this devastating time. The funds will be used for funeral and memorial services, as well as to assist his family in any way they see fit. Despite the overwhelming grief, Joshua’s legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him.
Max Madrzyk, one of Joshua’s friends, shared a heartfelt message on Facebook: "You will be missed. I’m so happy to have been a part of your life through what have been some of the best times in my life." This sentiment is echoed by many others in the community who are coming together to honor Joshua’s memory.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Joshua Fuqua’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. May his spirit and dedication to making the world a better place live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.