Samuel Ray Tyo was taken home suddenly on October 12, 2020 and all who knew him are deeply saddened by his tragic loss.

Samuel was born on April 2, 1998 and is survived by his mother, Nina Hoffmann; father, Randy Tyo, three aunts and two uncles on his father’s side: younger twin sisters, Sara and Stefanie; grandfather, Julio Hoffmann and his wife Ping; Tina and Peter Hoffmann and cousins, Kellen, Kai and Calianna.  He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Elena Hoffmann.

Samuel deeply loved and fiercely protected his family.  His charming personality and captivating smile will forever remain in the memories of all who knew him.  His caring and loyal nature, as well as his determination and sense of humor, are the traits his family admired most about him.

A 2016 graduate of El Camino Charter High School, Samuel was a voracious reader and he wrote poetry to capture the overflow of his creativity. He appreciated live theater performance and was often on the stage himself.  He aspired to be a film maker and a truth teller, contributions that our society must now, sadly, go without.  His adventurous spirit took him overseas to Colombia to visit family and to Nepal to make a documentary film.

Lastly, he was not only a die-hard USC fan, but Samuel, himself, was a strong athlete and a gifted football player excelling at the game. He started in pop warner, played all four years in high school and at the college level at Hanover College in Indiana.

Samuel’s memory leaves an echo whispering softly down the ways of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.  May the tears of those who grieve water everlasting flowers that will bloom as long as the love he planted here remains.

An outdoor memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 4:00 pm at Calvary Community Church, 5495 Via Rocas, Westlake Village, CA 91362.  The service will be limited to 400 people.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, https://afsp.org/.