The community is invited to a celebration of life for Gabryel Atkinson on Saturday, April 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Bracewell Stadium. There will be goodies and inflatables for families to have fun and make memories together. Per Gabryel's request, attendees are encouraged to wear sports attire, jerseys, or a costume. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Special Needs Foundation of Des Moines County.
Gabryel passed away on Saturday, April 9, 2022. He was diagnosed with a rare chromosome 9 abnormality before he was born. In fact, Gabryel was the only documented case of this abnormality in the world, and doctors had cautioned his parents that he might not survive through the pregnancy.
During his young life, Gabryel faced many health complications and had more than 50 procedures and countless hospital admissions. Despite these adversities, he lived life to the fullest -- even attending school and making it to the first grade. He especially loved Miss Hallie, Miss Alma, and the rest of his Black Hawk family.
Gabryel is survived by his parents, Ande and Liz Atkinson, and brothers, Sebastyan Atkinson and Austin Mayo.