Remembering Chris Zahuta
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the tragic loss of one of our brightest volunteers, Chris Zahuta, 20, from Santa Ynez, CA. Chris, who had been volunteering with us in Leogane, Haiti since June 6, worked tirelessly on our transitional schools program. He was respected and cherished by all and had built strong friendships with volunteers and community members alike. He took great joy in making a difference in the lives of Haitians, which was evident in his enthusiasm and energy. Tragically, on Sunday, July 17, Chris suffered severe head trauma after a serious fall at the All Hands base. He was flown by helicopter to Port au Prince, then on to Miami by air ambulance, where he passed away. Chris’ sudden loss is deeply felt in Leogane, where community members have begun to light candles and place flowers outside the All Hands base.
In an email Chris sent to his mother on the 8th of June, he said, “today was so much fun working…I love the people and the area is like nothing you could ever imagine! I love it! I’m going to make it and change someone’s life! I love you mom and I miss you!”
Chris’ mother, Christie has written the following:
“Our Son and brother Christopher Zahuta just spent 6 1/2 of the most amazing weeks of his life in Leogane, Haiti with All Hands Volunteers. When we took him to the airport on June 6, 2011 we expected to see him again on July 22, 2011. Sadly that was not to be. He accidentally fell and suffered a head injury which resulted in his death. But even with this horrific turn of events I do not regret him going in any way. He dreamed of doing this and helping others and making a difference in someone’s life. He sent me many emails describing how amazing his time there was and the wonderful people he was meeting. Knowing that he was working on schools to help the children there was one of the most fulfilling experiences of his life. Now he is back in the states as we wait for the hospital to do what is necessary for organ donation. When he first got to Haiti he told me that he was going to make it and change someone’s life! And now, as much as I want him with me, he is going to be changing even more lives. He was born December 13, 1990 and I had the honor of being his mother for more than 20 years”.
Christopher’s Family (Christie Jeffers-mother)
All Hands pays tribute to this wonderful, hardworking young man, who volunteered with passion to help communities in need. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Chris’ family and friends, and we share in their grief.
For further information please contact Stefanie Chang at stef@hands.org.
Mags Ryan says:
Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 11:11am
How tragic and my thoughts are with all of you on the base at such at sad time.
Leah miller says:
Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 12:55pm
How sorry I am to hear of such a loss, my thoughts to out to all the All Hands guys that worked with him and his family.
To the All Hands team: Please stay strong and safe guys. Your all doing a amazing job.
Much Love x
Lynn & Bob Burtness says:
Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 1:38pm
We have had the pleasure of knowing Chris for just a few years, but his willingness to be helpful
when the family was together was special.
We are grateful to have been a part of his life.
Janet Zahuta is our daughter.
michael says:
Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 2:46pm
Sad and not fair
too tragic. Hope he is in a better place and that all you at allhands find even more energy and courage to continue doing this great work you do for the community and the city and the whole of Haiti.
My prayers and thoughts are for and with all of you, especially Chris’s mother and family.
God speed man, look over us and brighten our paths so we can walk a straight line.
Michael
Amy-Jo says:
Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 4:01pm
My thoughts go out to the family. Chris was a lovely man who was generous, thoughtful, full of energy and a complete gentleman. It was an honour to get to know him in Haiti and I have such fond memories of him. Rest in peace Chris.
CHS Family says:
Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 4:34pm
Chris will always be remembered by those who knew and loved him, especially those who shared time with him at Cabrillo High School in Lompoc, CA. What an amazing young man! You can see his passion and vitality in the photos of him working in Haiti. May we all honor his memory by living with the selfless humanity embodied by Chris Zahuta. He will be deeply missed by all those in the Cabrillo family, but his beautiful life will never be forgotten….You really did change the world. We love you, Chris!
Katie Cicerchi says:
Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 5:51pm
This news makes me terribly sad. My heart goes out to Chris’s family and friends. It is wonderful that his family considered the gift of organ and tissue donation during such a tragic time.
To all the volunteers and staff at All Hands, please stay positive and stay safe.
Kate Whan says:
Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 9:30pm
I am so sorry to hear this news. As a neighbor of Chris, I was always impressed how inclusive he was in his friendliness…even to one of another generation. His loss leaves a huge hole. My condolences to his family.
Anna says:
Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 9:35pm
I did not know Chris. I only know of the work that him and others do and how nice it is for me to see that the young people out there do care about other and the world they live in. I am sorry for your loss and God Speed Chris!!!
Mark Raddant says:
Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 10:05pm
Chris worked at All Hands with my children Paul and Kayla. He meant a great deal to both of them, particularly Kayla, who was in Leogane at about the same time. His death is tragic, but if life is measured by how it is lived, Chris lived a full life joyously, and gave of himself freely. Our family’s best thoughts are with those he left behind.
Rita Lopez (Auntie) says:
Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 10:13pm
Chris was one of the finest people I ever had the pleasure to know. I have been his AUNTIE since he was 7 years old. I love him so much and will miss him beyond words.
Alidia Smoot says:
Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 10:24pm
*hugs* to everyone. There are really no words to be said in a situation like this that can offer much comfort, but my thoughts are with all of you, family and friend alike. I can’t imagine how hard this must be for everyone involved, but you are not alone. …So just *hugs*
bobby says:
Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 10:45pm
Requiescat en pace bro. Its tragic to lose a fellow helping hand but you lived you life to the fullest and did exactly what you wanted to do and you went without any regrets. Rest assured that your work will always be continued
Zac Coyne says:
Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 12:20am
Such a sad day for all hands, Thinking of all you guys!
Jack Ferrebee says:
Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 4:04am
Chris, like so many volunteers, set aside the comforts of home and the companionship of family and friends to lend a hand to people in need. He did it with enthusiasm and love for his fellow volunteers and the Haitian people. His loss is felt deeply throughout our community.
Lauren Doninger says:
Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 5:19am
Deepest sympathy to Chris’ family and the All Hands family. Such a tragic loss.
vivian mewes says:
Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 6:26am
May God Bless Chris and his family.
IMDB says:
Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 9:51am
What a vibrant young man! I am so sorry for the void his loss has surely created. The world is a darker place, but the heavens are shining brighter.
ROBINSON MICHELOT says:
Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 10:17am
STAY WITHIN MY HEART FOREVERby Emmanuel’s Music School and Band (E.M.S.B) on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 9:49am
STAY WITHIN MY HEART
EMMANUEL MUSIC SCHOOL BAND (EMSB) sent the sympathy along with CHRIS ZAHUTA’S family to everybody, I can tell CHRIS is a smart young man wise in all that it will do, it has many strengths, courage, love help everyone in the way he can, then I when talk with him he tried to make me understand that he is a man who should help everyone, but now it is dead, EVEN IF he died his body no longer are there minds it will continue to work it was used to do, we will say, and their families CHRIS, do not be discouraged because he came to Haiti to Help in the construction of schools and many other things I wished God helped his mother and his sister AND brother and friends stay firm .
CHRIS ZAHUTA EMSB WILL NEVER EVER FORGET YOU BECAUSE WE KNOW WHO YOU ARE . AND WE LOVE YOU
AYITI PAP JANM BLIYE W
CHRIS ZAHUTA , LAVI PA FINI = LIFE DOES NOT THE END
PLEASE I WANT YOU GUYS UNDERSTAND WHY I CHANGED EMSB PROFILE PICTURE NOW FOR FEW DAYS , BECAUSE THIS GUYS WAS REALLY ONE OF THE BEST FIREND EVER, I LOVE HIM
Please if you are close to his family i wish you guys go and talk to them just to make them believ that they not alone.
CHRIS ZAHUTA YOUR SOUL AND YOUR SPIRIT CONTINUE HELPING PEOPLE WHEREVER IN THE WORLD . GOD BLESS YOUR SOUL, FAMILY FRIEND TO BE STRONG
LIFE DOESN’T THE END
ROBINSON MICHELOT ONE OF THE BEST FRIEND , LEOGANE HAITI,22 BELVAL
REST IN PEACE
ROBINSON MICHELOT says:
Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 10:20am
I do not know what to say and what to do and what to think about my one of the best friend i can have in my life, because CHRIS ZAHUTA was a very wise man, respectful OF ALL especially with all members of the All Hands IN HAITI and all people in the community Leogane, he always want to help…CHRIS ZAHUTA YOUR MEMORY LIVES WITHIN MY HEART. Chris sister, Mother , Father family you guys in my memory for ever. i know Chris you are an amazing person for me but you are not here physical only think believe your body is not with us in Haiti now but your Memory and your spirit stay in the head of all of us in Haiti. Go with Peace
Melissa DeBacker says:
Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 10:21am
To the family and friends of Chris… Loss is so very hard, especially when it’s too soon.
I hope the following verse will help comfort you at this difficult time.
We Have an Everlasting Home In Heaven: 2 Corinthians 5:1, 6-10
For we know that if our earthly dwelling, a tent, should be destroyed, we have a building from God, a dwelling not made with hands, eternal in heaven.
So we are always courageous, although we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yet we are courageous, and we would rather leave the body and go home to the Lord.
uma karedla says:
Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 3:30pm
Hi!
What a tragic end for a wonderful soul!
Am sending my prayers to everyone that knew Chris Zahuta and especially to his family
Love,
Uma karedla
India
Joanne Chuvalo says:
Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 5:17pm
He arrived to our base on my birthday …. After days of heavy rain, there appeared a rainbow on the day of his arrival. Next I met Chris and proceeded to spend some great days with him. I will reflect on how caring he is, and no doubt will have my heart warmed with smile when rainbows appear. It just seems fitting.
Allison Kertesz says:
Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 5:17pm
When you leave this earth, the only thing you are truly remembered for is the difference you made. And Chris made a difference. Hopefully when it is our time, we can all say the same.
Deloris Harrison says:
Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 6:42pm
I send my prayers to the family and friends of Chris Zahuta! I did’nt know him, but he was obviously a loving person and i’m sorry for your loss.
isla ferns says:
Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 7:01pm
I am so sorry to hear this. My heart goes out to his family. xxxxxxxx
Mrs. P says:
Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 9:11pm
Although I am mourning the loss of a brilliant young man, I want to publicly honor the the tremendous sipirit of Chris Zahuta. It was my honor to spend countless hours in the company of this joyful young man as his teacher and share many happy moments discussing literature, philosophy, and life. He was a leader through action, he was a thoughtful friend, he was a talented athlete, and he was a gifted student. He visited me just before he left in June, and I was amazed by his passion to help others and his compassion for the people of Haiti….I know that Chris would want everyone to continue to volunteer and give to others in need. Although my heart aches for his loss, I will carry Chris Zahuta’s legacy of love and humanity with me for the rest of my teaching career. My deepest condolences to all who were touched by his beautiful life.
Tom Eden says:
Thursday, July 21, 2011 at 3:53am
My heart goes out to Chris’s family and friends. Everybody at the base keep going as I know you will, my thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. Much Love x
ProudTeacher says:
Thursday, July 21, 2011 at 2:32pm
Chris was an outstanding person. The Bible says that there is no greater love than to lay down our life for someone else. Chris died serving others. Chris was a student of mine many years ago. I am proud to say that I was his teacher. He was an outstanding young man, even at an early age. I pray that his parents will find comfort in knowing that Chris rests in the Lord.
DrewsMommY says:
Thursday, July 21, 2011 at 5:32pm
This is sooo sad!!! I would like to say that Chris Zahuta is a hero in my eyes and I’m sure in others as well. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Chris!!
Chris de Gonzague says:
Thursday, July 21, 2011 at 9:15pm
Well Its very sad to lose someone like Chris,very young willing to help.but I still thinking that God needs him more than we did, he was doing God’s work, my prayer goes out to his family, and we will never forget him down here in haiti we will always carry him and his family in our thoughts and prayers.
Chris De Gonzague says:
Thursday, July 21, 2011 at 9:23pm
There is no word to explain the pain I feel to explain how much I’m sorry to hear this sad history, Its sad to lose a great guy, like Chris, But I think God needed him more than we did, Chris was doing God’s work. My prayer goes out to his family and I have special thoughts for all hands. we will always carry you with Chris. down here in Haiti. RIP brother !
J. Dabroski says:
Saturday, July 23, 2011 at 7:37am
My heart breaks for Chris’ family. What a tragedy to lose this bright star so young. I only knew him til he was 4 years old, but I am so very impressed with his life and how he chose to live it! What an inspiration to others he has been!! So very sorry Bob and Christie and families! You are in my prayers!
Carolie Pronk says:
Saturday, July 23, 2011 at 10:45pm
I’m so sorry to hear this. May we – people of All Hands and aywhere around the world – keep his spirit alive by keep on working strong in order to realise our aims.
Will Brown says:
Sunday, July 24, 2011 at 8:25am
All of us at SASH were shaken to hear of such a terrible lose. If there is anything we can do for the guys in Leogane, let us know.
Julie Nudler says:
Monday, July 25, 2011 at 1:48pm
I am so, so, sorry for your loss. Chris sounds like an amazing son, friend, volunteer and all around person. Our hearts go out to you everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him and to the families that are benefiting from his tremendous organ donation.
Wynne says:
Monday, July 25, 2011 at 11:52pm
This is just too tragic… I`m currently in Ofunato, Japan with All Hands and even though I have never met Chris, we are all family here and I am truly sad and I send all my love to his family and friends.
Carolyn Jones says:
Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at 12:48am
That was such a tragedy to lose a wonderful young man; however, I am so proud of him, his efforts and enthusiasm! His Mom seems to be a beautiful woman as well, I can tell by her remakes where he got his spirit.As a former Haiti volunteer myself, I know the community is devastated;they are such loving people, my prayers go out to everyone whose lives Chris touched!
Eileen Barritt says:
Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at 6:20pm
I am so saddened by this news. My daughters went to school with Chris. I am very proud of him and his big heart to do what he did the last weeks of his life. Bless you Chris.
Debby says:
Thursday, July 28, 2011 at 5:22pm
What a tragic loss. It would be nice to name the school he worked on “Zahuta” of some thereof Thoughts go out to his Mom and family. Debby
Molly Fraser says:
Thursday, July 28, 2011 at 7:42pm
What a sad thing, bless his family right now. If there was a good way for someone to leave this world, it would be doing it in the service of others <3 <3 <3
Valencia Scott says:
Friday, July 29, 2011 at 8:38am
My prayers go out Jamie and her family.
Valencia Scott
ARIC
chris knowles(Tat) says:
Friday, July 29, 2011 at 11:57am
Sometimes we can be so excited abut the prospect of volunteering we forget that it is a true scarifice of our time and our selves. We offer our bodies, our hearts and our minds in service to humanity. Chris made an even greater sacrifice…..all in the spirit of helping others he did not even know. Let’s not remember him with words like “Tragic, aweful, sad” but with words that truly describe what he was about….”Heroic, Kind,Compassionate,selfless, Good”
Ed Braxton says:
Friday, July 29, 2011 at 4:30pm
I barely knew Chris. I met him last year when he worked at Lompoc Valley Medical Center. I found him to be a bright, conscientious and caring young man. The news of his death shook me since my oldest son and he are the same age.
I attended his memorial service in Lompoc today, surrounded by family, friends and others who knew him far better than I. His memorial and the words spoken about him revealed a life well-lived.
We have faith that he was greeted and embraced by the Lord, who told him “Well done my good and faithful servant”.
CarpenterMike says:
Saturday, July 30, 2011 at 6:58am
Holy Crap! Hang tuff out there and lean on one another for support – the connections we make out there are perhaps short but nonetheless very deep. I’m sure many of you are hurting on the base. My thoughts are with y’all!
Greg Oates says:
Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at 5:26pm
Stay safe everyone. And strength to the parents.
Joanne Garnett says:
Friday, August 5, 2011 at 10:46am
Chris and all of the volunteers at the Home Base are in my thoughts upon reading this sad news. Please know you are not alone – you’re in my heart.
Fiona says:
Friday, August 5, 2011 at 12:10pm
your family is in my prayer. you have my full respect and surely our world is never the same because of you. RIP
Randi Simons says:
Friday, August 5, 2011 at 1:02pm
I didn’t know Chris, but my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. As someone who had a very sick family member in need of an organ transplant for many years, and unfortunately never received it, I want to commend Chris’s parents for going through the organ donation process. It is definitely true that you’ll be touching many more lives in deep and meaningful ways by doing so. Love and peace to you.
Shannon Bledsoe says:
Friday, August 5, 2011 at 1:05pm
My thoughts and prayers go out Chris’s family and the Leogane base. Chris sounds like an amazing person
Peter Crowe says:
Friday, August 5, 2011 at 4:38pm
Why do the good ones get taken so early? I didn’t know you Chris, but shared your giving spirit. RIP kind sir, and may fate be kind to your surviving family who are going through these unbelievably sad times.
Elly Smart says:
Friday, August 5, 2011 at 7:20pm
This news breaks hearts open and takes breaths away.
My thoughts are with his family and the volunteers at All Hands.
To Mark, Stef, David, and Leogane staff and base managers, keep strong. All Hands is more than a volunteer organisation, it is a community and we all thank you for its creation and existence in our lives.
anupma sud says:
Saturday, August 6, 2011 at 5:07am
My deepest condolences to Chris’ family and the All Hands family. you all are in my thoughts
Helen Weatherall says:
Saturday, August 6, 2011 at 6:18am
Words mean little at moments like this. I never met Chris but it’s clear that he was just the sort of person we need more of in this world. The photos and his email message illustrate that despite his accident he’d have few regrets.
Anna says:
Saturday, August 6, 2011 at 12:39pm
Thank you for sharing Chris’s story and his passion for volunteering. I wish all who knew him comfort and lots of shoulders to lean on durnig this time.
Fatal Widler says:
Sunday, August 7, 2011 at 5:36pm
Chris was a good guy and he was a sample in the field of work he does so many thing with All hands volunteers.so all i say is :chris may the rest and peace to be resting
Kelly Miyashita says:
Monday, August 8, 2011 at 3:42pm
I read the email from Chris’ mother and it was very moving. To lose a son at any age is unthinkable. It really makes me think about my 2 year old boy and how no matter how many years go by, he will always be my little boy. Chris, wherever you are now, your spirit will live on amongst us. I never had the pleasure to meet you. I wish I’d had.
Christie Jeffers says:
Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at 1:00pm
My name is Christie Jeffers and I am Christopher’s mother. I have been reading the comments left on this page and just want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. God has been so faithful and good to us in the last 3 weeks. I also want to express my sincere sympathies and condolences to the people of Leogane who knew Chris and lived through this with him. You are all amazing! We are going to be there to see you all in two weeks and to participate in the dedication of one the schools that Chris was working on. We are so excited to come and meet you all and share about Chris. I also want to thank the All Hands Volunteers organization. They have been incredibly generous and supportive of us during this time. I am so glad that we chose this organization for Chris to work with. We, the family, also continue to ask that any donations possible be made to this incredible group. Thank you all for your amazing comments! Our love goes out to all who have been touched by this.
sabrina says:
Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at 2:56pm
Very sad story. But he got to do what he always wanted to do and he has achieved what he’s always wanted to achieve which was to change someone’s life. RIP to an angel.
Sandra Tarbet says:
Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at 4:37pm
my prayers go out to Chris’ family and friends.Such a tragic loss. Heaven is a brighter place with Chris around.
beatrce mutola says:
Thursday, August 11, 2011 at 9:51am
wonderful job you guys are doing keep it up
Patti Felton says:
Friday, August 12, 2011 at 9:17am
I am so very sorry.
xox
Pam Strange says:
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 at 1:18pm
It was a wonderful service for him. Glad we were able to attend it. Such an outpouring of love and remembrance for this young man! Blessings to the family – and to All Hands…as Chris believed in this organization!