A few years back in Central Park I met Deyvid “Wolf” Garcia. He was a fresh-faced kid of sixteen with amazing athletic ability and the kindest, most generous heart. I saw him perched high up on a tree branch, lost in thought, looking out over the expanse of the Great Meadow. Later that day, I saw him again putting himself through a rigorous Parkour drill. Even then, he was already relentlessly pushing his body to the limit. He was also absolutely fearless in an almost terrifying way.

We struck up a conversation. I shot some photos, which I sent to him later that day. He loved them and over the next few years we would get together once in a while to shoot and hang out. Without exception, Deyvid drew a crowd of admirers wherever he went. Young women lingered with shy smiles and kids looked at him with the awe reserved for super heroes. He was never less than gracious and kind to anyone who approached him.

Last Saturday, at age 24, Deyvid suffered a fatal fall while doing what he loved best: defying gravity and braving the unknown. I heard the news from a fellow photographer and have not been able to stop thinking of his brave, beautiful soul.

He will be missed.