A Devoted Father and Husband
Julian Robert Irwin was born on August 16, 2022, to Sabrina N. Irwin and David Robert Andrew Irwin. He was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, a rare congenital heart defect that affects the development of the left side of the heart. Julian spent most of his short life in the hospital, where he received constant care and attention from his loving parents and medical staff.
Julian passed away on April 15, 2023, at the age of eight months, leaving behind a heartbroken family and a community that had followed his journey through social media. His father, David, who was a devoted husband and father, died of a heart attack only three days later, on April 18, 2023, at the age of 36. According to ForeverMissed.com, David and Julian are survived by Sabrina, David’s parents, sister, nieces, nephew, aunt, uncle, cousins, and in-laws.
A Legacy of Love and Hope
Despite the challenges and hardships that Julian and his family faced, they never gave up hope and always showed gratitude and love for each other and their supporters. Julian’s mother, Sabrina, who is a singer and songwriter, shared her son’s story and updates on her Instagram account, where she has over 300,000 followers. She also wrote and dedicated a song to Julian, called Hold On, which was released in November 2017.
Julian’s uncle, Lance Stewart, who is a popular YouTuber with over six million subscribers, also featured Julian and his parents in some of his videos and posts. He paid tribute to them in a YouTube video on April 22, 2023, where he expressed his grief and condolences. He said that his sister and brother-in-law loved Julian with all of their heart and spent every single day in the hospital with him, hoping that he would recover and come home.
Many people who followed Julian’s story online also sent their messages of sympathy and support to the family. Some of them shared their own experiences of losing a child or a loved one, and offered words of comfort and encouragement. Others praised Julian and his parents for their courage and strength, and said that they were inspired by their faith and positivity.
A Celebration of Life
A viewing for David, with a memorial honoring the brief but precious life of Julian, was held on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at Fertig Funeral Home in Mullica Hill, New Jersey. The funeral service was held on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Interment followed at Eglington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations to the American Heart Association, a nonprofit organization that funds research and education on cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
Julian and David Irwin will be forever missed and remembered by their family, friends, and fans. They touched many lives with their love and hope, and left behind a legacy that will live on in the hearts of those who knew them. May they rest in peace and fly high. Heaven truly gained two amazing angels.