Santa Ana, California — Friends, family and neighbors in this close-knit community are struggling to come to terms with the loss of Jesus Alejandro Valdez, known to everyone as “Alex,” after a car crash on January 1 left him with life-threatening injuries he could never overcome. At just 30, Alex passed away days later, leaving a gap in the lives of so many who loved him.
The morning of the accident was supposed to be the start of a new year full of promise, but it quickly became a nightmare for Alex’s family. Emergency responders rushed him to the hospital with critical injuries, and despite the best care, his body did not recover. His passing has sent shockwaves through Santa Ana, where he was known not just as a friend and son, but as a bright, encouraging presence in daily life.
People who knew Alex say he had an electric energy that could lift spirits even on the toughest days. A gifted runner, he wasn’t just someone who ran races; he inspired others to join him, to push their limits and to celebrate every finish line with laughter and cheers. His friends liked to say there wasn’t a race he couldn’t win or a stranger he couldn’t befriend.
His compassion wasn’t limited to the track. Alex lived his values. He chose a vegan lifestyle for six years out of love for animals and the planet, and that devotion showed in all he did. Foster homes for at-risk kittens were part of his life’s work — he nurtured more than 100 through his efforts. He shopped mindfully, embraced organic living, and encouraged others to think kindly about the world they shared.
Friends describe Alex as someone who radiated joy. He loved to sing, dance, laugh loud enough for others to catch the groove, and he always made time to truly listen. When life got heavy for his people, Alex was the one who lifted the weight just by being there. These are the stories that his community now holds dear, replaying cherished memories of his caring heart.
Alex’s family — his parents, Jesus and Guadalupe Valdez, and his siblings Gavi, Laura, Rosi, Erika and Daniel — have been supported by neighbors and friends in a solidarity that reflects the life he led. To ease the burden of medical bills and arrangements, they have set up a GoFundMe that has already drawn hundreds of generous contributions and heartfelt messages.
The legacy Alex leaves behind is one stitched together from small kindnesses and big moments of joy. In Santa Ana parks where runners gather, in every laugh shared among friends, and in each act of generosity, his spirit lingers. For those who loved him, remembering Alex means carrying forward his love for life, his compassion for others, and the delight he found in every step of his journey.
