Juan Chavez Martinez, 25, was someone who inspired those around him through his passions.
A Facebook friend remembered Martinez the day after he was killed in the Pulse nightclub shooting on June 12, 2016, by commenting on one of his photos.
Recommended Videos
Ahytysl Urdaneta Contreras said she was thankful to God for knowing Juan, someone she said was always willing to joyfully give to others without ever expecting anything in return.
Contreras called Martinez a “treasure,” a great young man who left his signature with all that he did, and inspired others through his music, advice and love for hair, makeup and decorating.
Martinez’s niece, Ashley Gonzalez, also remembered her uncle and the love the two shared for hair and makeup.
“The relationship we had was literally the best, saying ‘We were gonna work together to do makeup and hairstyles,” Gonzalez posted on Facebook with a picture of her uncle and her. “Man I was really hoping for that one day. Love you so much Tio.”
Martinez was from Huichapan, Mexico, but had been living in Davenport, according to his Facebook page.
His immediate family was still in Mexico when Martinez was killed during the shooting, according to a GoFundMe page set up by his niece.
With the help of more than 330 donations, Gonzalez raised more than $10,000 so Martinez’s parents could have a funeral for their son his home country of Mexico.
Contreras said Martinez might no longer be with his loved ones physically, but she is thankful she has the opportunity to share all that she learned from him – his passion for what he loved, his excitement to give and his ability to inspire – with others.