Denali J Alzugaray

Denali was born in Elko, NV, to Jason Mayne and Maria Alzugaray. He would later be loved and raised by four parents who adored him when Maria married Joshua Kauffman and Jason married Sarah Kellum. Denali was a cheerful little boy with the cutest giggle and the tightest, most heartfelt hugs. He had an older brother, Sethe Alzugaray, who was four years his senior, and soon after, his little brother Mason Kauffman was born, only two years younger than him. Denali and Mason were the best of friends, growing up so close in age. Later, his dad Jason and his wife Sarah had another little brother, Hunter Mayne, and a little sister, Alyssa Mayne. With his four siblings, Denali always had friends to play with, and he was known to cause a bit of mischief. He always had some silly trick up his sleeve, keeping everyone on their toes.

As Denali grew, he developed a love for the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and exploring the wilderness with his mom, stepdad, and brothers. His dad, Jason, loved teaching him rock climbing, and Denali was a natural at it. We used to say he was like a mountain goat; if we looked away for one second in the mountains, we’d hear him shout, “I’m up here!” from a distant cliff. It always amazed us how quickly and effortlessly he scaled those heights. Denali loved all animals but had a special fondness for dogs. He grew up with several dogs between both households, and they were often his best friends.

Denali had a true passion for science and loved finding gadgets to take apart and put back together, just to figure out how they worked. He wanted to understand the code of the universe, always asking inquisitive questions about life, time, space, and our existence. His idol was Nikola Tesla, and he would read all he could about him, adding his own perspective to complex questions. Denali’s mind constantly challenged deep topics, and he would quiz others on their thoughts and opinions to broaden his own understanding. Beyond his curious mind, Denali possessed the sweetest soul. He made sure everyone around him felt loved, welcomed, and valued as though time spent with them mattered more than anything else in his world. He couldn’t stand to see others sad, mistreated, or alone. Denali went out of his way to sit with kids who didn’t have friends, defend people who were being bullied, and bring a smile to anyone who needed it. He was a natural at it, and he struggled deeply with the cruelty he witnessed in the world.

One painful Sunday in October, shortly after his 16th birthday, Denali made the choice to take his own life—a decision that left his family and friends in deep anguish and searching for answers. We, his entire family and loving friends, would love nothing more than to create something beautiful out of the deep hurt left in our hearts—a reminder of what Denali taught us about kindness, true love, and caring with gentleness and understanding. We hope to be a beacon of light and hope for someone in their darkest hour, saving a life in the way we so regretfully missed saving Denali’s on that fateful Sunday.