Losing Gavan so suddenly has left many of us heartbroken and in shock. There is no right way to grieve and no timeline for it. Some days may feel almost normal and others may knock you over. All of it is part of loving someone we lost too soon.
We’ve gathered some resources that we hope will help you, whether you’re family, a close friend, a coworker, or someone whose life he touched.
Losing a friend your own age is a shock that can shake your sense of safety and the future. Your grief matters just as much as anyone’s. Lean on each other, talk about him, and reach out to a counselor if you’re struggling. Many colleges and workplaces offer free counseling through student health centers or Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).
Call or text 988, any time, day or night. You don’t need to be in crisis to reach out. They also help with overwhelming grief.
Text HOME to 741741 to reach a trained counselor by text.
Many hospices offer free grief counseling and support groups to anyone in the community, even if their loved one was never in hospice care. Call a hospice near you and ask about bereavement support.
Support for parents, stepparents, grandparents, and siblings after the death of a child of any age. They have local chapters and online groups.
Faith-based support groups that meet weekly in churches across the country. You can search for a group near you.
Resources for grieving children, teens, and young adults, and for the adults supporting them.
Free grief support groups and workshops for any adult in the community, and a free program for ages 6 to 18.
A list of church-hosted groups meeting weekly in Myrtle Beach.
Peer support groups for children, teens, young adults, and their families.
Free counseling, monthly grief groups, and memorial events for youth and adults, open to any community member.
By Brook Noel and Pamela D. Blair. Written specifically for sudden, unexpected loss.
By Megan Devine. A compassionate book that doesn’t try to “fix” grief.
By Joanne Cacciatore. About love, loss, and traumatic grief.
By Martha Whitmore Hickman. One short reading a day for hard days.
By Alan Wolfelt. Gentle and practical for younger mourners.
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst, and Tear Soup by Pat Schwiebert and Chuck DeKlyen.
Saying Gavan’s name and sharing stories keeps his memory alive. You can share your memories and photos here on this site.
Grief is exhausting. Try to eat, rest, drink water, and get outside when you can.
Birthdays, holidays, songs, and places can bring grief back strongly. That’s normal.
Accept the meal, the phone call, the company.
If you feel stuck, hopeless, or unable to function, please talk to a counselor, doctor, or one of the lines above.
With love and gratitude for everyone who loved Gavan.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Phone numbers and links were checked on October 2, 2026.