With Deepest Sadness and the Heaviest of Hearts: The Tragic Loss of Jonathan Hickman, a Loving Husband, Father, and Friend
Jonathan Hickman, 37; Marissa Hickman, his wife; Henry Hickman, age 4; Elwood Hickman, age 1.
It is with profound sorrow, and with the heaviest of hearts, that we, the Hickman family, write these words to you. On Thursday, April 24th, 2025, our beloved brother, Jonathan Hickman, was tragically taken from us in a devastating motorcycle accident. His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in our lives that we can hardly bear. Jonathan was 37 years old — vibrant, full of energy, and always with a smile that lit up any room he entered. His life was tragically cut short, leaving behind not only his grieving family but also the many friends, colleagues, and loved ones whose lives he touched. His death is a sudden and incomprehensible tragedy that we are struggling to come to terms with.
Jonathan was not just a brother, a friend, or a son; he was a loving husband and father. He leaves behind his wife, Marissa, who is the very definition of dedication and compassion. Marissa, a nurse at the VA in Cleveland, Ohio, has spent her career caring for others — her heart always on the side of those who are suffering. Now, she must face the unimaginable: raising their two precious sons, Henry (age 4) and Elwood (just 1 year old), without the man who was their world, their protector, and their greatest joy. Jonathan’s love for Marissa, Henry, and Elwood was limitless. They were the center of his universe, and every decision he made, every moment of his life, was for them. His love for his family was fierce, unwavering, and all-encompassing. He was not just their provider but also their emotional anchor. And now, in the wake of his sudden and tragic passing, Marissa, Henry, and Elwood must learn to navigate a life without him.
In those rare moments when Jonathan wasn’t working or caring for his family, he could be found doing what he loved — whether that was playing music, creating something with his hands, or simply enjoying the company of those around him. His laughter, genuine and full of life, was contagious, and it’s hard to imagine a world without it. Whether it was at a family gathering, a community event, or just a small get-together with friends, Jonathan’s presence could be felt. He had a way of making everyone around him feel seen, heard, and loved. His joy was infectious, and his heart was large enough to welcome anyone who needed him. It didn’t matter who you were or where you came from — if you needed a hand, Jonathan was there.
Now, as we face the heartbreaking reality of a future without him, our hearts are shattered. We are doing our best to come together as a family to support one another through this unimaginable grief, but the road ahead is long, and the weight of this loss is something we will carry with us forever. The loss of Jonathan is not just the loss of a husband, father, brother, and friend. It is the loss of a vibrant spirit, a man who lived his life to the fullest, and who poured his love into everything he did. The hole left in our family is profound and irreparable, and we are struggling to find the strength to move forward without him by our side.
In this incredibly difficult time, we are reaching out to you — our extended family, friends, community, and even strangers — to ask for help. The financial burden that comes with such a sudden and devastating loss is overwhelming. Funeral expenses, hospital bills, and the ongoing support needed to help Marissa, Henry, and Elwood through this difficult time are far beyond what any of us could have anticipated. As a family, we are doing everything we can to rally around Marissa and the boys, but we need your support to get through this. Any donation, no matter how small, will go toward covering funeral costs, medical bills, and helping Marissa navigate a life without Jonathan. Your generosity will ensure that she doesn’t face this challenging future alone.
We understand that not everyone is in a position to donate, and we don’t want to place any undue pressure on anyone. But we humbly ask that if you are unable to contribute financially, you might consider helping us in other ways. Sharing this message, spreading the word, or offering prayers and kind words will make an incredible difference to our grieving family. Every act of kindness, no matter how big or small, will be felt deeply and will offer us some light in this incredibly dark time. As we try to find a way to move forward, your support, prayers, and love are the greatest gifts we can receive.
Please know that the Hickman family is deeply grateful for each and every person who has taken the time to read this message, share it, or offer support. Your love and compassion mean the world to us, and we can never fully express how much it means to have you by our side in this moment of deep sorrow. Jonathan would have been the first person to offer help, to open his heart to others, and to lend a hand to anyone in need. We ask now, in his honor, that you open your hearts to Marissa, Henry, and Elwood, and help us all navigate this devastating time.
From the bottom of our broken hearts, thank you. Thank you for caring. Thank you for being a part of Jonathan’s life, and for offering your love and support as we struggle to cope with this unimaginable loss. Your kindness will be remembered forever, and you will forever have a place in our hearts.
With deepest gratitude and love,
The Hickman Family
Additional Details of Jonathan’s Life and Legacy
Jonathan was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, a city he loved dearly. Growing up, he was always a bright and energetic child. From an early age, he showed a love for the arts, particularly music. He played guitar and loved exploring new sounds and styles, but his true passion was always in the way he connected with people. Jonathan was the kind of person who could walk into a room full of strangers and leave having made new friends. His easy smile, open heart, and willingness to listen made him a natural at building deep, lasting connections.
As a young man, Jonathan began his career in construction, where he quickly became known for his work ethic and his ability to take on any challenge. However, it wasn’t long before he realized that his true calling was to help others. He changed careers and began working in the healthcare field, where he was able to make a real difference in people’s lives. His work was often grueling and demanding, but he never complained. He found joy in helping others and made it his mission to bring hope and comfort to those who were suffering.
In his personal life, Jonathan was just as dedicated. He met Marissa when they were both in their early twenties, and it was clear from the beginning that they were meant to be together. Their love was built on a foundation of respect, trust, and shared dreams. Together, they built a life that was rich with love and laughter, and Jonathan was a devoted father to Henry and Elwood. There was nothing he loved more than spending time with his family, and he was incredibly proud of the life they were creating together.
The Road Ahead: How We Will Keep Jonathan’s Memory Alive
Though Jonathan’s life was tragically cut short, his legacy will live on through the memories he created, the people he helped, and the love he gave. As a family, we are committed to keeping Jonathan’s memory alive in the hearts of his children, Henry and Elwood. Every story, every laugh, every piece of music, and every kindness that Jonathan shared with others will be passed down from generation to generation. Jonathan’s love for life, his boundless energy, and his devotion to his family will never be forgotten.
We know that the future will not be easy for Marissa, Henry, and Elwood, but we are determined to face it with the same love, strength, and resilience that Jonathan showed every day of his life. We will continue to honor his memory by living with purpose, just as he did. We will make sure that Henry and Elwood grow up knowing the incredible man their father was — a man who loved them with all his heart and who would have done anything to see them happy and safe.
In Jonathan’s honor, we ask that you continue to support his family in any way you can. Your love, your prayers, and your generosity will help them move forward, knowing that Jonathan’s spirit will always be with them. We will never forget him, and we will carry his memory in our hearts forever.
