Elijah Hernandez

Elijah Jay Hernandez was a gentle, kind, compassionate and generous son, brother, grandson, cousin and friend. It is with deep sorrow that we announce that on July 23, 2023, Elijah passed away at the tender age of 19 at his hometown of Oxnard, California. As he left this world, he was surrounded by the unconditional love and support of his parents and brother.

He was born in Oxnard on March 11, 2004 to Michael and Missey Hernandez. He made an instant impact on those who were lucky enough to have met and spent time with him. He was a special soul who's smile, punctuated by his dimples, could light up anyone's day. Elijah was often described as, "A force to be reckoned with." And, a force he was. Football was his passion. He was admired for his athletic abilities and played left tackle for Rio Mesa High School. He was not only an amazing athlete, he was also an exceptional leader, serving as the team Captain, leading his team to numerous victories. He had an exceptional football IQ, but he also excelled academically, earning a 4.0 GPA and numerous academic accolades and awards. He was indeed a force to be reckoned with, and that force did not go unnoticed by colleges across the country where he was accepted to top universities and offered football and academic scholarships.

When Elijah was not busy amassing athletic and academic accomplishments, he loved, above all, spending quality time with his family and friends. He enjoyed watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean with his older brother, Keanu, spending quality time with his Mom especially going on their weekly mother-son dates, watching the San Francisco 49ers with his Dad, and hanging out with his friends especially trying out new places to eat with his best friend, Robert. As a product of a mixed-culture background, he enjoyed eating homecooked Filipino and Mexican cuisine, a reflection of his deep appreciation for his cultural roots. Elijah was deeply committed to helping others, always going out of his way to ensure that people felt loved and included. He volunteered annually at the food and toy drive at his Mom's school. Even to his last day, he helped people by saving lives as a donor for One Legacy - an organ, eye and tissue donor organization.

Elijah graduated from Rio Mesa High School in 2022. He received several offers to play college football, but decided not to pursue athletics so that he could focus on school. He went to San Jose State University for part of the fall semester.

He is survived by his Mother, Missey Sahagun Hernandez, Father, Michael Hernandez, older brothers, Michael and Keanu, as well as tons of family and friends who love him deeply. We will miss Elijah immensely who enriched our lives with his kind soul.

We love you to the moon and back and we shall dance the Cuban Shuffle in your honor!

Viewing, Rosary & Celebration of Life

Thursday, August 3, 2023

4-8pm

Rosary: 5pm

Celebration of Life: 7-8 PM

Perez Family Funeral Home 3150 Loma Vista Road Ventura, CA

Livestream Link: /tinyurl.com/ElijahJayHernandez/

Funeral & Burial Service

Friday, August 4, 2023

Service: 10:00-11:00 AM

Perez Family Funeral Home 3150 Loma Vista Road Ventura, CA ​

Burial Site @11:30am

Santa Clara Cemetery, 2370 N H St, Oxnard, CA 93036

Livestream Link: /tinyurl.com/ElijahJayHernandez/