A Dayton-area family is grieving the unexpected death of their teenage son, as friends and neighbors organize to help cover funeral costs and daily expenses during an unimaginable time.
Ezra Tirey passed away suddenly on the morning of July 5th at just 16 years old. He was preparing to take his driver’s license test and had been looking forward to starting his junior year of high school. Ezra was also a standout athlete, breaking records on his school’s track team.
Those who knew him describe a young man who was quick to help others, quick to pray for those around him, and deeply caring toward his family and friends. His sudden passing has left his parents, Sarah and Steve Tirey, and his five siblings, Solomon, Lucy, Elizabeth, Cypress, and Goldie, searching for a way forward through overwhelming grief.
Sarah shared publicly that the days since Ezra’s death have been filled with impossible decisions no parent should have to face, from choosing a funeral home to planning a service. She described wanting nothing more than to hold her son one more time, while also needing to protect and comfort her surviving children through their own grief.
Community steps up to ease the burden
Family friend Hannah Daniels organized a GoFundMe campaign to help the Tirey family manage funeral expenses and living costs while they take time away from work. Sarah works as a Realtor, meaning her income depends on active sales, and Steve recently started a new job less than two months ago. Though his employer has offered flexibility, that time away will be unpaid.
The fundraiser has already drawn a strong response from the community. As of the latest update, the campaign has raised over $41,000 toward its $60,000 goal, with contributions from 347 individual donors.
Supporters have pointed to several ways people can help the family right now, including:
- Donating directly to the GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral and living expenses
- Praying for the family during this difficult season
- Sharing memories and stories of Ezra with the family
- Helping with everyday errands and household tasks
- Dropping off meals for the family
- Simply sitting with them and continuing to speak Ezra’s name
Sarah expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support, saying that financial gifts are giving the family something even more valuable than money. They are giving her and Steve time. Time to sit with their children, cry with them, hold them, and begin the long process of healing together.
She also acknowledged that not everyone is in a position to give financially, especially given current economic pressures, and said any form of support, whether prayer, a meal, or simply showing up, means just as much to the family right now.
The Tirey family says they have felt carried by their community throughout this tragedy, and they do not expect to forget the kindness shown to them during one of the hardest chapters of their lives.
