SAGINAW, Mich. – The tragic story of Alejandro Gonzalez, a 20-year-old graduate of the Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy, has captured the hearts of many after his body was recovered in Cancun, Mexico. Gonzalez was swept away in the ocean while trying to rescue a friend caught in a wave during a vacation.
According to reports, Gonzalez was enjoying a day by the Caribbean Sea on Sunday, April 20, 2025, when he noticed a friend in distress. He bravely jumped into the water to help, but was ultimately pulled under by the powerful current. His body was recovered three days later, on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.
His mother, Renee Gonzalez, shared her grief and pride on Facebook, stating, “We held out hope and prayed for a miracle. While the outcome wasn’t what we wanted, God did answer our prayers. Alejandro’s body has been found, Matt and I are going to be able to bring our baby home.”
The Saginaw community has rallied around the Gonzalez family during this difficult time, organizing fundraisers and donation drives to assist with the expenses associated with bringing Alejandro’s remains home. A spaghetti dinner fundraiser is scheduled for Friday, April 25, 2025, at Sips 476, a local coffee shop where Alejandro worked as a barista.
“This is a devastating loss for everyone who knew him,” said Mia Gutch, a colleague from Germack in Detroit’s Eastern Market. “He was always trying to recruit artists to show their work, and he had a passion for promoting others.”
Gonzalez’s friends and family remember him as a selfless individual who always placed others’ needs above his own. His godmother, Missy Pocock, described him as a hero, stating, “The Bible says that there’s no greater love than a man lay down his life for another, and that’s what he did.”
As the community mourns, local businesses are stepping up to support the Gonzalez family. Sips 476 is not only hosting the dinner but is also collecting donations to help cover the costs of returning Alejandro’s remains and assisting his family during this time of need. Donations can also be made through Venmo at @Renee-Gonzalez-82 or Cash App at $rmgonzalez82.
“We’re hoping that this spurs them to continue the water searches for as long as necessary, because we really want him to come home,” Renee Gonzalez expressed. “God is really, really putting peace on everybody. It’s amazing, because how we’re breathing right now, I just don’t know.”
The spaghetti dinner, set to take place from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., will cost $10 per person and will serve as a gathering point for the community to share memories of Alejandro while also supporting his family. “Just to raise as much awareness and raise as much money as possible for the family. Even just a ton of prayers is what our goal is,” Pocock added.
As news of Alejandro’s passing continues to spread, the atmosphere at the College for Creative Studies, where he was a student, has turned somber. The institution is providing support services for students and staff affected by this loss.
“He always put everybody else’s happiness and feelings before his,” said Mila Djordjeciv, another friend who knew him well. “It’s really hard to imagine our lives without him.”
In the wake of this tragedy, the Saginaw community has shown immense support, demonstrating the impact Alejandro had on those around him. His friends and family continue to honor his memory by sharing stories and celebrating his life, while also working together to support one another through this painful time.
As the community gathers for the spaghetti dinner, it serves not only as a fundraiser but as a reminder of the love and camaraderie that Alejandro fostered among his peers. His legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those he touched.
“He was a shining light in our lives,” said Renee Gonzalez. “We will carry that light with us forever.”
