Daily Voice
By Zak Failla From Daily Voice
Family and friends are grieving the sudden loss of Salvador “Chava” Ceja-Chavez, whose loved ones say was taken far too soon at just 35 years old in Virginia.
His death has shaken the Ceja-Chavez family and a wide circle of friends who described him as a warm, generous presence who lifted every room he walked into.
In a heartbreaking public tribute, his sister Roxana Ceja-Chavez said she is still struggling to accept that her brother is gone.
“It’s with a broken heart that I have to say goodbye to my brother Salvador Ceja, who was taken from us far too soon,” she wrote. “He had such a kind soul and loved everyone."
"He always found a way to make us laugh. It still doesn’t feel real that he’s gone. He had so much life ahead of him.”
Ceja-Chavez said her family is trying to honor his memory “the way he deserves,” and that every prayer, share, or donation helps more than people realize.
Friends echoed the same heartbreak and disbelief.
Lopez Michael wrote, “You will be missed Salvador Ceja, remember them days! I just saw you like a month ago and can't believe it!”
William Calderon reflected on the kind of person Salvador was, saying, “RIP to one of the kindest people I have ever had the pleasure to be friends with.”
Salvador "Chava" Ceja-Chavez
“Still in disbelief over this terrible news," Erin Bielanski added. "Sal was everyone’s friend. Please say a prayer for his family. Rest easy, Sal. You will be missed.”
A GoFundMe organized by Tiffany Vuong for Fidelia Ceja offers a fuller picture of the Woodbridge man so many are mourning.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Salvador, who was taken from us too soon at 35 years old,” Vuong wrote. “Sal was a loving son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.”
She said the family is asking for support during “these emotional times” as they manage unexpected funeral and burial costs and work to give Chava “the farewell he deserves.”
According to Vuong, Salvador is survived by his parents Fidelia and Luis; his siblings Gonzalo, Luis, David, Eduardo, and Roxana; his nephews, Adrian and Brandon; and his nieces, Izabella and Daniela.
Salvador "Chava" Ceja-Chavez
She encouraged anyone who knew Salvador to share a favorite memory of him as the family continues to process their loss.
“Thank you all for your prayers and generosity during this difficult time,” she wrote. “Your kindness, compassion, and support mean more than words can ever express.”
The fundraiser titled “Support for Funeral Expenses in Memory of Salvador ‘Chava’ Ceja-Chavez” has been launched to help the family lay him to rest. Those wishing to contribute can do so here.
Nearly $15,000 poured in from friends and well-wishers for the Ceja-Chavez family.
As messages continue to pour in, one sentiment appears again and again: “Sal was everyone’s friend.”
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