We Lost Josh

July 17, 1998 – October 7, 2023

A tragic motorcycle accident on Maui has claimed the life of a most amazing young man, just 25 years old and a dear friend to so many. Josh grew up in San Diego. He came to Maui for his first visit in February 2017. He was 19 years old. His Maui adventure was a high school graduation gift from his close friend and mentor, Phil Winter. It would be Josh’s first true travel experience outside of San Diego. Josh was astonished by the tropical beauty of Maui. He found the stunning landscapes of the “Road to Hana” breathtaking. He did Maui adventures daily during his first visit. He saw his first whale and ocean sea turtles. He embarked snorkeling from the catamaran “Kai Kanani” over the crescent-shaped volcanic crater Molokini. Josh wanted to see all the colorful tropical ocean fish. With snorkel gear on, he jumped off the boat — but oops, there was a problem! At that time, Josh did not know how to swim. He started flopping around in the ocean water, and the crew instantly realized what was wrong. Determined not to disappoint a paying customer, and charmed by Josh’s thrill for adventure, the crew hurried over to him with a flotation board. Josh happily paddled around on the board, wearing his snorkel mask and poking his head into the Molokini waters to see the colorful fish. He was totally fascinated. Once back on the catamaran, he sported the biggest smile (along with a look of relief that he hadn’t drowned).

After Josh’s first Maui visit, he returned many more times to continue his Maui adventures. In March 2023, Josh decided to call Maui home and moved here from San Diego. He was accepted to the University of Hawaii Maui College into the Automotive Technology program – a dream come true for him, as trucks, big engines and motorcycles were his passion. He loved college and excelled, making somewhat of a 180 degree turn from the more muted enthusiasm he had shown for his high school studies. While going to college, he worked at Maui Soda Company, where he enjoyed great friendship with his coworkers. His work ethic and integrity was also much appreciated by his employer.

Josh loved to travel, and even by such a young age, he had seen and done more than many ever do — including taking a road trip to Chicago, power hang gliding over Maui, piloting a plane with a flight instructor over the Hawaiian Islands, zip lining across Maui, enjoying ATV off-road adventures above Lahaina, and nightclubbing in Honolulu. Josh loved his motorcycle. He would cruise the island roads around Maui, next to the Pacific Ocean. Nor were Josh’s adventures limited to Hawaii. They took him thousands of miles away, to Jet Skiing and off-road adventures in the Caribbean; to margaritas at lively restaurants along the beaches of Miami; to casino gambling aboard a cruise ship off the island of San Juan; and so much more.

Josh is going to be so terribly missed. He touched many hearts, from 6-year-old youngsters to 90-year-old seniors, and he was loved by all. Josh leaves behind his loving mother, Nancy; his stepfather, Gregorio; his brothers, Omar, Luis and David; and his sisters, Yaraid and Paulette.
Josh will make his final journey to San Diego to be with his family and San Diego friends for his burial.

Josh lived life his way, with caring, kindness, success and adventure. At the airport in Hana, Maui, Hawaii, there is a huge banner on the wall. It’s a picture of Josh power hang gliding over the land and seascapes of Maui. The caption reads, “If you are not living life on the edge, you’re taking up too much space.” Rest in peace, Josh.