Hanford wrestler with a ‘kind heart’ to be remembered over Christmas break

Classmates and family will remember the life of a Hanford High School junior over the Christmas break.

Ayden Dean Hoff, 17, of Richland, died Dec. 5 after he suffered a seizure while he was sleeping, said his grandmother JoAnn Hoff.

“He was very thoughtful, sweet,” Hoff told the Tri-City Herald. “He was my buddy. He told me every night — he’d call or text me — that he loved me. He was just a doll.”

The Falcon wrestler was remembered in his obituary for spending time with his family, for his involvement at his church and for serving his community — whether that was helping to set up fundraisers or hang Christmas lights.

“All who knew him will remember his readiness to help out, and his kind heart,” said his obituary.

“His quick wit would frequently catch you off guard with a joke and a twinkle of his blue eyes. There simply are not enough words to describe the impact Ayden made on our lives and the hole he left in our hearts,” it continued.

Ayden attended Sacajawea Elementary School and Chief Joseph Middle School.

“He absolutely loved the beach with his family where he spent hours dodging waves, building sand castles, up-righting a giant log and burying himself up to his armpits before realizing that may not be the best plan,” his obituary said.

He also enjoyed time with his friends, where they would “dream about their future lives together and motivate each other to work hard and strive to be better each day.”

In lieu of flowers, the family, including his father, Erik, and stepmom, Jennifer Ackerman, are asking that any donations go to a fund through GoFundMe for funeral costs and a memorial.

A celebration of life is 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, at The Garden Tri-Cities Church, 6811 W. Okanogan Place, Kennewick.