Erik Farias was a young and talented basketball player who had a bright future ahead of him. He was studying to become a commercial pilot at Utah Valley University and had recently obtained his commercial pilot’s license. He was also a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a loving family and many friends. However, his life was cut short on May 11, 2023, when he passed away suddenly at the age of 22. The cause of his death is still unknown and has left many people wondering what happened to him.
A Promising Athlete and Student
Erik Farias was born on October 15, 2000, in Peoria, Arizona, to Ramon and Lynn Farias. He had three siblings: Ryan, Natalie, and Ricky. He moved with his family to Spokane, Washington, when he was one year old and grew up in a neighborhood where he enjoyed playing outside with other kids. He attended schools in the Mead School District and graduated from Saint Georges High School in 2019.
Erik Farias was passionate about basketball and excelled as a point guard. He could dribble, pass, and shoot with ease and had a great vision of the game. He played basketball at Chapman University, George Fox University, and Big Bend in Moses Lake, but his career was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and two ACL injuries. He then decided to pursue his dream of becoming a pilot and enrolled at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, in their Aviation Program. He quickly earned his private pilot’s license, his commercial pilot’s license, and his instruments rating. He was studying to become a certified flight instructor at the time of his death.
A Sudden and Unexplained Death
On May 11, 2023, Erik Farias passed away unexpectedly in Spokane, Washington. The circumstances of his death are unclear and no official cause of death has been released yet. His family announced his passing on social media and asked for privacy as they grieved their loss. They also set up a GoFundMe page to help with funeral costs and other expenses.
According to GoFundMe, Erik Farias died on Thursday, May 10, but this date contradicts the obituary published by Spokesman-Review, which states that he died on Wednesday, May 11. This discrepancy has raised some questions among the public and some online sources have speculated about the possible causes of his death.
Some theories suggest that Erik Farias committed suicide or died from an accidental overdose. However, there is no evidence to support these claims and they are based on rumors and assumptions. Other theories propose that Erik Farias died from a heart attack or a stroke caused by an undiagnosed medical condition or a genetic disorder. However, these possibilities are also unconfirmed and require further investigation.
A Legacy That Lives On
Erik Farias was a remarkable young man who touched many lives with his kindness, humor, intelligence, and talent. He was a loyal friend, a devoted brother, a loving son, and a faithful member of his church. He had a heart of gold and a smile that could light up any room. He was an inspiration to many people who admired his dedication, perseverance, and passion.
Erik Farias is survived by his parents, Ramon and Lynn; his brother, Ryan; his sister, Natalie (Walker) Holloway; his brother, Ricky; his nephew, Teo Farias; and many other relatives, friends, teammates, and loved ones. His funeral services were held on Wednesday, May 24, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Spokane. He was laid to rest at Fairmount Memorial Park.
Erik Farias’ cause of death remains a mystery that has not been solved yet. However, his memory and legacy will not be forgotten by those who knew him and loved him. He will always be remembered as a shining star who left this world too soon.
