Christian Gaytan, a 2008 alumnus of Kaneland High School, died on Sept. 25.

The DeKalb County Coroner has not yet determined the cause of death, pending toxicology reports.

The Sugar Grove resident leaves behind his parents, Merced and Guillermina, and six siblings: Guillermo, age 23; Perla, age 19; Cynthia, age 17; Jovie, age 9; Alyssa,  age 7; and Leo, age 5.

Cynthia Gaytan remembered her brother’s love for life and his happy countenance.

“Christian got along with everyone. He would even go and help those who seemed like they were alone. He loved to make people laugh a lot, and he never let anyone bring him down,” Cynthia said.

Christian was part of Kaneland’s soccer and wrestling teams. He excelled in both sports, but he was mostly known for his wresting skills; he even went to state.

Gaytan enrolled at Waubonsee Community College right out of high school, where he majored in Business, but later changed his mind and found an interest in sociology, where he wanted to be able to help others.

Merced Gaytan, Christian’s father, said he valued his close relationship with his son.

“Christian talked to me all the time, but even when he had a problem, he stayed smiling. Christian was a happy, happy boy, very polite, very talented and very funny.” Merced said.

Merced saved a description paper that Christian wrote about someone who had inspired him because he had chosen his father.

“My dad is who I want to be when I grow up. He means the world to me; without him I wouldn’t be the nice, gentle, tough kid that I am today,” Gaytan wrote.

Guillermo Gaytan, Christian’s older brother, said he knew Christian better than anyone.

“Christian could make anyone smile. He had a good heart. He was a positive influence on everyone around him. He was so passionate for wrestling and loved being the one to help people. Christian will be remembered for his humor,” Guillermo said.

Faculty and students at Kaneland remembered Gaytan as a respectful student and a good friend.

Senior Nick Fornero, a friend, said that he would never forget Gaytan.

“Christian was always making people laugh. There was never a dull moment when Christian was around,” Fornero said.

“He always just danced off everybody,” Fornero added. “He didn’t care. He always just did what he wanted. I liked that.”

Katie Tolan, one of Gaytan’s former coworkers at Papa Savario’s, said Gaytan never failed to make her laugh.

“Christian was really easy to talk to, he was outgoing, and he always knew how to make people laugh,” Tolan said.

“He was a very patient person, understanding and self-conscious about getting things done,” Kurt Green, Gaytan’s former speech teacher, said. “The way he treated people was respectful. He was just a very nice kid.”

Cindy Miller, Gaytan’s former health teacher, remembers Gaytan for many positive things including his smile.

“He always had a smile and was always just so happy. He loved soccer, loved hanging out with his friends, and  he seemed to enjoy everything he did,” Miller said.

“It’s always sad to see alumni pass on. I feel really bad for his family. It’s also really hard as teacher having a student for over the years you become close, and it’s almost like losing your own. It’s just not fair. Kids are not supposed to die; old people are,” Miller said.

A memorial service for Gaytan was held on Sept. 29 at James Funeral Home in Aurora.