It is with the heaviest of hearts and profound sorrow that we announce the tragic and untimely passing of Austin Boatright, a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and treasured friend to many. A radiant presence in the Plant City, Florida community, Austin’s life was cut short far too soon in a devastating and unforeseen accident, just days before what would have been his 30th birthday. His sudden departure has left an unfillable void in the lives of those who had the privilege of knowing him, loving him, and being loved by him.
Austin was more than the roles he filled—more than just a son, a brother, or a friend. He was a force of goodness. Those who knew him often speak of his warmth and gentle strength. His laugh—big, unfiltered, and contagious—could fill a room. His smile, always sincere, had a way of disarming even the most guarded hearts. In every space he entered, Austin brought a lightness that made people feel welcome, accepted, and understood.
He was known for his deep empathy and his uncanny ability to make others feel seen, heard, and supported. Whether you were a lifelong friend or a stranger he had just met, Austin had a way of connecting that made you feel like you mattered. He had a rare gift of turning moments—both big and small—into lasting memories, filled with laughter, warmth, and meaning.
His older sister, Melissa, shared, “Austin didn’t just hear you. He really listened. You’d tell him something, and weeks later he’d follow up, ask how things turned out, or send a random message saying, ‘Thinking of you.’ That’s the kind of soul he was.”
Born and raised in the heart of Plant City, Austin was the kind of person who made this tight-knit town feel even tighter. Everyone knew Austin—from the staff at the local diner where he’d get breakfast on Saturdays, to the organizers of the annual Strawberry Festival where he volunteered every year since high school.
Austin attended Plant City High School, where he played football and was active in several student organizations. Though not the loudest or the flashiest on the team, he was universally respected for his work ethic and sportsmanship. Coaches and teammates alike remember him as a cornerstone of the locker room: humble, consistent, and always lifting others up.
Coach Raymond Thomas, his former football coach, recalled, “Austin wasn’t trying to be the star. He just wanted to do right by the team, by his family, and by himself. He led with heart—and that’s what made him stand out.”
After high school, Austin remained in Plant City, choosing to stay close to family and invest in the place he called home. He began working in construction, a job he approached with pride and commitment. He talked often about wanting to one day start his own business—not for the money or accolades, but so he could provide opportunities for others in his community.
A Heart for Others
If you needed help moving, fixing something, or getting through a tough day, Austin was your guy. No fanfare. No expectation of praise. Just a quiet, dependable presence always willing to give.
Friends recount countless instances of Austin showing up—bringing food when someone was sick, driving hours out of his way to help a friend stranded with a flat tire, or sitting in silence with someone going through grief. “He had this way of making you feel like whatever you were facing, you weren’t alone,” shared close friend David Ramirez.
He was a man of few complaints. Even when dealing with personal challenges, he didn’t burden others. Instead, he channeled his energy into lifting others. “Austin gave out love like it was endless,” said childhood friend Jasmine Greene. “It never seemed like he ran out of compassion.”
The Joy in Everyday Moments
Austin loved the simple things—Sunday morning fishing trips with his grandfather, backyard barbecues with his cousins, movie nights with his mom, and long drives with the windows down and the music turned up. He wasn’t interested in pretense or status. He found joy in connection, in nature, in laughter, and in living sincerely.
He loved dogs, especially his rescue pup, Harley. He’d talk to Harley like she was human and often joked that she was his “best girl.” The two were inseparable. Losing Austin has even visibly affected Harley, who now waits at the front door, ears perked, as if expecting him to return.
Austin also had a playful side. He was the reigning champion of cornhole at family gatherings, loved practical jokes (harmless ones), and had a knack for turning even mundane tasks into adventures. He loved country music but had a soft spot for 90s R&B. He could quote entire scenes from classic comedies and wasn’t shy about belting out his favorite songs—even off-key.
Memories That Will Never Fade
The impact of Austin’s life is reflected in the stories being shared from all corners of the community. Neighbors, classmates, coworkers, and childhood friends have come forward with their memories—each one revealing a consistent picture of a man whose character was defined by love, humility, and grace.
A family friend, Mrs. Elaine Dorsey, shared, “Austin helped my husband build a ramp for my wheelchair one summer—just showed up and worked for three days straight, wouldn’t take a dime. That ramp gave me my independence back. I’ll never forget that kindness.”
Even small gestures left big marks. “I was going through a really hard time last year,” shared coworker Brittany Price, “and one day Austin brought me a coffee and a note that said, ‘Keep going. You’re doing better than you think.’ I still have that note on my fridge.”
These are just a few glimpses into the kind of person Austin was—someone whose life was not about personal gain or public accolades, but about building people up, one act of kindness at a time.
The Grief That Remains
To say Austin will be missed feels woefully insufficient. The pain of losing someone so young, so full of life and promise, is immeasurable. His family—especially his mother, Sheila, his father, Mike, and his sister, Melissa—are left reeling from the magnitude of this loss. His absence is felt not just in their home but in every shared ritual, every quiet moment, every heartbeat of daily life.
There are no easy answers in times like this. No explanation can make sense of such a sudden, tragic loss. And yet, in the midst of grief, there is also gratitude—gratitude for the time we had, for the memories that now sustain us, and for the example of a life lived with heart and honor.
As Austin’s family has expressed, “We are shattered, but we are grateful. Grateful for every second we had with him. He made us better, made us laugh, and reminded us every day what love looks like.”
A Legacy of Love
Though Austin’s life was brief, his legacy is boundless. It lives in the lives he touched, the people he helped, the friends he stood by, and the family he adored. It lives in every act of kindness done in his name, every smile shared in his memory, and every life made better by his.
In honor of Austin’s generous spirit, the Boatright family has established the Austin Boatright Memorial Fund, which will support local youth programs, provide financial aid for students pursuing trade school education, and fund community improvement projects in Plant City. It is a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much and asked for so little in return.
In the words of one of Austin’s favorite quotes, which he kept pinned to his bathroom mirror:
“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, for as long as you can.”
Final Goodbye
There will be a celebration of Austin’s life on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Plant City Community Church, followed by a candlelight vigil at Sunset Park, where family and friends are invited to share stories, prayers, and memories.
All who knew Austin are welcome. The family asks that attendees wear blue—his favorite color—and bring a written memory to place in a memory box that will be kept by his mother.
In closing, while the world feels less bright without Austin in it, we take comfort in knowing that his light will never truly go out. It lives on in the kindness we show to others, the laughter we share, and the way we choose to live with open hearts—just like he did.
Rest easy, Austin Boatright. You are so deeply loved, so sorely missed, and never, ever forgotten.
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