Daniel + Drake + Jacob
On January 19, 2020, the three boys were murdered by a man who intentionally rammed his car into them over a ding-dong ditch.
Drake Ruiz + Daniel Hawkins + Jacob Ivascu
“Go forth today, by the help of God’s Spirit, vowing and declaring that in life—-come poverty, come wealth, in death—come pain or come what may, you are and ever must be the Lord’s. For this is written on your heart, ‘We love Him because He first loved us.’” ~ Charles H. Spurgeon
As parents “We have to forgive…”
Read the stories on Google | Read the Story on People.com
Full Memorial Service held for Daniel, Drake and Jacob
“The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:28b-31 NIV
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’ He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true’” – Revelation 21: 1-5
A Celebration of Life
This just breaks my heart and I cannot imagine what your families are going through but I’m inspired by the strength you all have shown. No one should have to experience anything like this. Especially over a child’s game.
I’m so, so sorry for your loss. I just read about this story, and am heartbroken over it. They seemed like genuinely good boys, and had a very bright future ahead. They may not be here physically any longer, but I believe their bright spirits and joyful hearts will always be remembered and felt. I pray the families have peace in their hearts until they are together again.
Thank you for sharing stories about Daniel, Drake and Jacob and giving us a glimpse of the sweet playful side of your teenage boys. I am touched by your Grace and desire to forgive. My 16 year old son joined them in heaven on 3/14/2020. Your families will be in my prayers.
Thank you for your comment. I’m so surprised by so many people sending such touching thoughts. I’m so sorry for your son’s passing. We will see them all in heaven soon!
The pain of loss can only be lessened through love. It’s like PTS It will never go away but will lessen over time. My heart goes out to you and your family
Such a strong message. Bless all of you….although my heart grieves I seek strength…
Truly touched with these memorial videos and write-ups about these amazing young men!
Pray The presence of Jesus would heal and break forth over all who knew these young men!
What The Lord has started he will finish for His Glory! The Eyes of The Lord are on your community and His heart is moved with your faith and response to His Name!
Love and Blessings from Saskatchewan, Canada
Oh my gosh my heart goes out to all the mothers of these beautiful, amazing boys.
May you find peace through this time… my deepest sympathy to you all. I am a mother of 2 boys as well and I cannot even begin to imagine this for myself.
May our great & powerful Lord be with u all always
Just came across this tragic story in an online version of People Magazine. I saw the link to the boys’ rememberance page and had to immediately come pay tribute.
Ding dong ditch is an innocent game so many of us played as kids and so many of us have had played on us as adults. Why this man choose to bring it to such a violent level is beyond me.
God bless those children and may they have felt love and no fear during those last moments.
They are handsome, sweet, great young boys and I can only imagine all the good and fun they are having together in heaven.
I wish your loved ones peace and justice for the boys. God bless you all.
I admit I never heard of the game , I can’t imagine the grief theses families are experiencing. The videos of them just being kids and happy, devastated I pray that divine healing comes over these families Amen. The one thing we can take away in a good light is that I know these Christian young men are for sure in Heaven forever young Amen.
I found your story on People.com, and just want you to know that I am spending some time reading about the boys lives and friendship, and praying for you all. I live in Virginia and have never met any of you, but we are family in Christ! Thankful that because of his death and resurrection- the story does not end here. He will use their lives and their deaths to bring glory to His name and you will see them again one day! I am so sorry for your pain and praying that God holds you closely and reveals himself to you in ways you cannot comprehend. praying he strengthens your marriages and families.
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
psalm 91:1-2
Good looking boys. Sorry for your loss. Thank you for showing us how to be disciples even when it’s difficult.
To the Parents, Brothers, Sisters, Aunt, Uncles & cousins of these boys –
i did not know these boys and I do not know you the loved ones who are grieving this “loss”. I can’t wait to go to heaven and hopefully meat them and hope to fellowship with all of you there. Your eulogies written in celebration of their lives give me hope for the future of our World and I praise god for your relationship with the Lord. God bless you all and He will bring you peace. The one thing that I would leave you with that a long aas you speak their naes and talk about their lives they wll live on in each of your hearts. Ihope that brings you joy knowing that they live on! AMEN
Heartbreaking, absolutely heartbreaking. I”m so sorry for your loss.
May they RIP.
I am heartbroken for the families of these very fine young men. Their lives were taken from them all too soon. Rejoice that they are with our Lord in Heaven. We lost our only child a couple of years ago at the age of 16. Our son was a baseball player. We said at his passing that Jesus needed a first baseman. Both my wife and will pray for all of you. Loss of this kind are much harder on the ones left behind. Be assured these boys are still best friends. They just have a different address.
You have very beautiful, and very special, son’s – all of you. I say HAVE because they will always be with you. In your heart, your mind, your soul, and in spirit.
I am so very, very sorry for your loss, and don’t know how you found it in your heart to forgive the man who did this so soon. I don’t think I could be so big a person. Then again, I don’t have the faith you do.
Mom’s and Dad’s, please hold on to each other. This is tough on a marriage. Usually one grieves differently or longer than the other. Don’t let it cause you problems. Instead, let it make you stronger. Reach out for help if you need it.
Bless you all, and love one another like it’s the last day you’ll ever have together. Don’t waste a single one.
My prayers go out to the families and friends of these wonderful and lively boys. They deserved so much more. Let it be consoling to know that they are in the Lord’s arms and are watching over you. As you greive they will be holding you and wiping away your tears. I become envious of the people whose lives have been touched by these young men. The Lord is watching all of you and so are they. He will keep them safe while they wait for you. Lord bless you all and may the angels be with you and watch over you.
I’m so very sad for all these wonderful boy’s families and friends. Such an awesome bunch of kids. I don’t know any of you, but that doesn’t stop me from sobbing watching these videos. You are all in my prayers from here to the end. Can’t imagine how you all feel. You are held in Jesus’s hands.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine how you feel. Trust in the Lord, stay strong in your faith. Please that these 3 will be remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I am very sorry to read about this. I remember playing this same prank with my friends during sleepovers.
My prayers are with each of the families and may the Spirit of the Living God continue to comfort you all and bring you comfort through people. Jesus is the Savior of the world and now they are with him.
It is beyond belief that a adult man could have such hate in his soul that he would kill 3 young men and injure their companions only for ringing his doorbell and leaving. I do not understand how this could occur to him as the proper action to take. I pray that God will give me the wisdom to understand this terrible loss and the power to forgive. I am not at this point yet.
Sorry for your loss. They seem like great guys.
I just read the People Magazine article and I had heard a little in the news about this colossal tragedy. I’ve just now finished viewing the Rememberthe3.com and what these little kids in 5th grade nurtured into the relationship of young men they were is a treasure your three families will have forever. I am so sorry for this senseless loss of such gravity. Teenagers just being teenagers and any other doorbell they may have rung that night, would undoubtedly have netted a different outcome. How unfortunate for ALL of you that someone so vial and hellbent on retaliation, lived in a home near you and not in the cage this animal deserved. He’s not capable of offering a “sorry” to each of you. He is full of hate and anger and such a word means nothing to him and most certainly wouldn’t mean a thing if he were to utter that one simple word to each of you. My heart is full of pain for you and I hope one day you can find healing by loving and missing your three boys. What a gift they were to so many. They ARE together in heaven with their great big smiles aglow. God bless you all. Most sincerely.
My heart goes out to these young boys parents!
To have their life’s being cut so short, they are now in heaven with the one and only God and Jesus Christ. To the man who caused this terrible thing to happen will be judged by the Lord himself and will pay for his misdeeds and punished by the Lord himself! I just want to say this to the parents, you have my upmost respect for forgiving this man for such a senseless act! May God have mercy on his soul because I wouldn’t if they were my sons!
As a father, a brother, a son, a person in general; instances like these make me and many others reflect upon the actions and consequences of our lives. As a young man, I doorbell ditched, I pulled pranks, I had fun, and it was always just that… fun. The monster who chased these kids down is nothing more than sub human, terrible in heart and a disgrace as a man. Any person that can find such rage out of the devious joy of young people is due for judgement from the people, the lord, and ultimately the universe as a whole. The boys, though lost, and not forgotten are surely missed. Having no relationship, no connection, and no experiences to share with the families; I wish only to tell them to keep faith. Don’t let these trying times steal the joy and love that your sons would have wanted you and all of your families to share. Mourn them, but most importantly honor them, keep them in your memories, and send them loving energy on a daily basis. Though I’m distant in geography, and indeed separated in relationship; know that I, and many other people stand with you in honoring the memories of these bright young men. Gone, but not forgotten, loved, and always honored. God bless all of you, your families, your friends, and all of those that hurt from this. As a complete stranger, I mourn with you and so do many others.
I don’t know why or have any answers for these families, but their are incidents that occur in this life that we just cannot rap our minds around and are simply inconceivable and this is one of those stories. I’m not a church going person, but your going have to have faith in the Lord for there’s no one on earth can help you.
May God bless your families.
So sad
I played this game so many times while I was growing up , what a waste
When I saw this ‘accident’ on the news and heard it was 3 teenage boys killed, it broke my heart, the poor families of the teenagers. When I found out that one of the boys went to my sons school and was on his soccer team, I cried, I lost sleep. Couldn’t imagine the pain the families are going through. This tragedy brings tears to my eyes every time I read anything about these boys. It could have been any of our kids. My heart hurts for these families and can’t wait for justice to be served. My prayers are with these families forever.
Hi, I’m 27, have no kids, live in ATX, and I know I don’t know any of you, but I wanted to say that your boys seem like really awesome kids. I watched the video and the spider baby was super funny. I’m sorry for your losses, and I hope your families find peace ❤️
Thoughts and prayers for all three families! Your sons were doing what we all did as kids and didn’t deserve this ! God sometimes has a different plan we don’t get to understand . They are in heaven happy with each other and watching over you all!
Just read the article and my God, reminded me of my childhood and teenage with my best friends. May there soul Rest In Peace. I am so sorry for you loss. I am father of two and can’t imagine losing a child like this.
What a beautiful tribute to the boys! My condolences to the family! 2020 has just been a horrible year! GOD has a plan though! Hopefully, GOD’s word and your memories will comfort you when you need it most.
Bawling my eyes out! Beautiful tribute, beautiful friendship. Beautiful boys. I am so profoundly sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing this video, it is touching beyond words. May God, your faith and the love of your family and friends, carry you through this heartache for the rest of your lives.
Prayers for the family’s of the three young men. Awesome guys ! Looks like they always had fun and good times together. Now they can eternally be together with no sadness no pain and no one who can ever take their lives again! They are with God in heaven! Running on streets of gold ! My heart felt prayers for the family till you see them again! Amen
I stumbled across this online, watched the celebration video, and I wept for your boys. My own son is nine, and I hope when he is 16 he knows the deep human friendship and relationship with God that your sons had, correction HAVE! My prayers are with you. My heart aches for you, and for your boys. Their great love and giant spirits shone through in those videos- what remarkable, delightful, precious young men. God bless you and keep you. Praying for you all. ❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss. After reading about these young men I’m sorry for the worlds loss. Your families are in our prayers.
As a mother and high school teacher my heart is broken for all of your families. These are amazing young men that are very special, just great all around kids. What an inspiring story of friendship. I wish all of you peace! Thank you for sharing a small piece of their story. Take a moment each day to breathe and focus on the positive when you can. Your journey has and will continue to be tough. One step, one day at a time. Again wishing you peace, love, and hope. Prayers!!
My heart hurts for all of your families. I have three sons myself. My deepest sympathies to all the parents and siblings. You’re all in my heart and prayers. May peace be upon you. God Bless.
As I watch this video I see how much joy these boys have brought to your life. Young soles gone way to soon. I sometimes wonder if I would ever get the chance to have kids, and if I do, I can only hope that they will live a life as happy as your boys have. I pray you find peace and comfort in the lord, that even though the hole in your hearts will never be filled, I pray God take the pain away from you. May these beautiful memories ground you.
My condolences go out to the families that have lost these three beautiful souls. Thank you for sharing how amazing they were, not only as individuals, but as inspiration amongst their piers. I hope this message reaches to all of your families, you will surely be in my thoughts and prayers.
Sending you love and peace, all the way from Ontario, Canada.
I’m truly sorry for the loss of three bright and intelligent young men. I pray for peace, comfort, justice and closure! Our kids are so important and we should work harder as communities to build and encourage them. This world is full of hate and evil. My spirit is grieved by this situation but I know God is bigger then anything and will redeem the loss for the families! God bless you all and rest in Heaven boys!
I am so sorry for your loss.May god continue to give you peace and grace.I have two son that are your boys ages and i cant fathom the hurt that you are going thru but we as Christians know our journey does not end on earth,it continues in heaven.God bless
I read your story. I’m so sorry for your loss. What a blessing though that they had each other. And that you have those sweet memories of your movies ones to hopefully sustain you in the days ahead. Your family is my prayers.
I saw the boys story in People and then had to go to your website. Thank you for sharing their wonderful lives with us. They were truly brothers in spirit and a blessing from God. I am grieving for your families and pray that you find the strength in your faith to help you through this pain and loss. I know the coming days winding through our human justice system will open fresh wounds but stay the course, keep the faith and no matter what the court’s decide, God will sit in final judgment. Keep your sons in your hearts for you will be together again. Right now God has called them home and their souls are in his loving care. I also pray for the friends, injured and left behind, that they heal and their faith be made stronger from this ordeal.
GOD BLESS US ALL !!
@ A YOUNG 59 YEARS OLD !!
I SIT HERE ALONE N TEARS
THEY HAD SUCH A FRIENDSHIP
A GLORIOUS BOND !!
WE CANT BRING BACK OUR NEW ANGELS BUT MAY TALK TO THEM 24/7 !!
MAY YOU ALL BE BLESSED SOME HOW
SOME WAY !!!!
OMG N THESE TIMES WE NEED LOVE HONESTYBTRUTH AND TRUST !!
I PRAY FOR THE MAN THAT DID THIS WE DONT KNOW WHAT HES BEEN THRU OR HIS FAMILY !! PRAYING IS EVERYTHING !!
N GOOD TIMES & N BADBTIMES PRAY ALL TIMES !!
I DO CAPS. NOT YELLING. ??
JUST LOVE BIG BOLD BRIGHT !!!
MY HEART ACHES FOR ALL OF YOU
FAMILIES FRIENDS FOLKS WHOM READ STORY WATCHED VEDIO
PRAYERS TO ALL OF US FOR DAILY
UNDERSTANDINGS !!
PEACE BE WITH YOU PEACE LOVE HAPPINESS GOOD HEALTH BE WITH US ALL !!
Im deeply sorry for the loss yall suffered. No other words need to be said other than its high time people start being held accountable for the tragedies they cause. Ej
God bless your souls and your boy’s. My prayers and condolences go out to all whom are grieving during this tragic time. It’s truly shameful that such beautiful souls, and a family so full of love was torn apart by one persons evil actions. My heart weeps for your losses, but remember they’re for a reason. Stay strong in Faith.
It was wonderful to see this video and how happy these friends always were when they were together and with their friends. I wish they had been able to grow old together and see each other marry and have families and live life. Such a tragic loss for all of you, family and friends alike. My heart goes out to you all.
All my pray for them. So so sorry from Switzerland
This is so sad, I read about this in People magazine, and me being a 17 year old kid this hits home cause you know all teenagers pull these harmless pranks, who would of ever thought that it could lead to something so tragic. The 3 will always be in my heart and prayers.
Thank you for sharing your loving memories of your wonderful boys. What a tragic loss from such a harmless prank that many played as a children. Such a humbling reminder of how precious life is. May the Lord bring you peace, as time eases the pain and their joyful memories brings you comfort.
Love and thoughts from Denmark.. Linkin Park – One more light..
Should’ve stayed. Were there signs I ignored?
Can I help you not to hurt anymore?
We saw brilliance when the world was asleep
There are things that we can have but can’t keep
If they say
Who cares if one more light goes out
In the sky of a million stars?
It flickers, flickers
Who cares when someone’s time runs out
If a moment is all we are?
Or quicker, quicker
Who cares if one more light goes out?
Well, I do
The reminders pull the floor from your feet
In the kitchen one more chair than you need
Oh
And you’re angry, and you should be, it’s not fair
Just ’cause you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it isn’t there
If they say
Who cares if one more light goes out
In the sky of a million stars?
It flickers, flickers
Who cares when someone’s time runs out
If a moment is all we are?
Or quicker, quicker
Who cares if one more light goes out?
Well, I do
Who cares if one more light goes out
In the sky of a million stars?
It flickers, flickers
Who cares when someone’s time runs out
If a moment is all we are?
Or quicker, quicker
Who cares if one more light goes out?
Well, I do
Well, I do
I’m so so sorry for your loss, I have a boy their age and I can’t imagine a life at all without him.
You will all be in my prayers tonight , and I will send you thoughts even though I am several thousand miles away.
Remember to be strong ❤️
Stine/ Denmark
To the parents of Drake, Daniel, and Jacob;
I found your story through the Mother’s Day post on People Magazine, and felt compelled to let you know that I am so sorry for your loss. I am so so so sorry for your loss. I am so SO sorry that you experience this tragedy. I am sending you prayers of comfort, peace, love, strength, and faith, and hope they find you in this most challenging time.
I’ve donated to your GoFundMe, and I hope that whatever ease can be found in your path finds you. Wherever there is good in the world, I believe the spirits of your boys are behind it.
Thank you for creating this website where your memories can be cherished. I wish you everything you gave that was good in your children.
All my love,
Caroline
Brooklyn, NY
What a blessing to have loved these fun boys. Most of us have done silly pranks as children but the world has become increasingly evil just as the Bible has spoken. Your willingness to forgive demonstrates the faith that you instilled in your children. Aren’t you thankful you fulfilled that parental responsibility? As for Chandra, I too, agree that he should pay for the intentional murders of 3 children by being locked away for life. It won’t bring your children back but it may save others including his wife. Prayers your way and may your boys rest in peace.
These boys were full of life! Watching them made my heart bigger! I can’t imagine your world now but my gosh what an amazing time I’m sure you had with them!! Thank you for showing the world a part of them
❤️
OMG, I just read your story in people magazine my heart breaks for all of the families and I’m so sorry for your loss. Having two sons of my own I cant even emageon what your going through how hard it must be on all of the families. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless you all.
Beautiful remembrances of the 3 boys ❤️I am so sorry this has happened to your families ! God bless you all and the surviving friends – to survivors do not loose your zest for life- keep up your fun spirits always as a memory to your friends lost
You all come to mind often, along with specific prayers for God’s provision, strength and daily grace.
Thank you, Dave. That’s what’s getting us through. Prayers. God is, and has always been faithful.
I am so so sorry for your loss. I am so sorry that this tragedy found you and your sons. I am so sorry for your loss. I wish you everything good that you gave to your sons. Whenever something good isn’t the world happens, I believe the spirit of your boys is behind it.
With love, strength, grace, gentleness, and love,
Caroline
Brooklyn, NY