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Sebastian Kai Melendez, a 4-year-old remembered for his joyful personality, love of dinosaurs and adventurous spirit, died April 29 from injuries sustained in a Florida car crash days earlier.
The crash occurred April 25 while Sebastian and his father, Angel Melendez, were in Florida. According to family information shared publicly, Sebastian died at 9:27 a.m. on April 29.
Sebastian’s father lives in Barnwell, while his mother, Olivia Gwyn, lives in Augusta. In the days following the tragedy, community members have rallied around the family with messages of support and fundraising efforts to help cover funeral expenses.
Mary Fleetwood, who lives across from the Melendez family in Barnwell, described them as hardworking and caring people.
“They are a wonderful family and work extremely hard,” Fleetwood said.
According to Sebastian’s obituary, he was born Nov. 17, 2021, to Olivia Gwyn and Angel Melendez. Loved ones affectionately called him “Papa” or “Gilbert.”
Family members remembered Sebastian as a playful little boy who loved dinosaurs, Monster Trucks, Spider-Man and fishing. He enjoyed helping his father work on equipment and was known for fearlessly holding snakes larger than himself. His obituary also noted his love for Waffle House trips, catfish fishing and watching “Jurassic Park.”
“He never ended a call without saying ‘I lub you,’” the obituary states.
Sebastian had attended preschool and was preparing to begin Pre-K in the fall, according to the obituary.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been created to assist the family with funeral expenses. Community members wishing to help can find the fundraiser by searching “Support Olivia with Funeral Expenses” on GoFundMe.
