Mackenzie Trapp
My thoughts are with Derek’s family and friends, as I cannot begin to grasp the grief they are facing in the wake of such a devastating loss.
I had the privilege of meeting Derek in 2018 and dating him until 2022. He was the most intelligent, artistic, creative, and unique person I’ve known. The memories of my trips to Tallahassee and his journeys to Central Florida will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am beyond grateful to have shared that time with him.
I cannot find the words to describe the kind of person Derek was, though I know that if he were in my place, he could easily. His way with words was effortless and poetic in a way that was entirely genuine, never performative and never forced. I never had the opportunity to meet his family or many of his friends due to our distance, but I am thankful to the people who surrounded him, supported him, and helped shape him into the magnificent person he became.
Derek was a force of nature-- powerful, yet so gentle. He refused to be anything other than exactly who he wanted to be.
Attached is one of my favorite photos of Derek, from the day we first met in person.
