Jared Daniel Braithwaite unexpectedly passed away on December 26, 2025, at his home in Cedar City, Utah. He was born on August 2, 1978, in Richfield, Utah, to Anna and Danny Braithwaite.
Jared’s early years were marked by challenges. After suffering adverse reactions to childhood vaccines, he endured seizures for several years, which affected his physical growth and learning. Through perseverance, Jared overcame these obstacles—learning to read and write and developing a love for computer games, especially Nintendo, which he enjoyed playing with friends, especially the Corry family. Later, he became an avid and competitive online Scrabble player.
Jared spent his childhood in Richfield and Sigurd. After his parents divorced, he moved to Cedar City with his mother and two sisters. His mother’s teaching career took Jared to various places, including Hawthorne, Nevada; Camp Zama, Japan; Ely, Nevada; Owyhee, Nevada; and Reno, Nevada. Jared attended Hawthorne Middle School, spent ninth grade in Ely, and ultimately returned to Cedar City—his beloved home—where he graduated from Cedar High School.
Jared was baptized as a child and held a deep faith in Jesus Christ. He enjoyed playing T-ball and baseball as a boy and was active in the Boy Scouts. In Hawthorne, he played drums in the school band and competed in javelin for the track team. While living in Japan, he worked at a video rental store on the military base and was even invited to try sumo wrestling—though his shy nature kept him from participating.
Jared loved video games, but his greatest joy growing up was family adventures—camping and hiking in Southern California, Zion National Park, and the Grand Canyon. He also cherished camping trips with his dad. Jared had a special love for Cedar Mountain, where he enjoyed canyon walks, picnics, and watching the fall leaves change color.
At age five, Jared traveled with his family to Leamington Spa, England, and Naples, Italy, to meet relatives for the first time. That experience opened his eyes to new cultures, foods, languages, and lifelong family bonds.
After high school, Jared worked as a drywaller for many years, often using his mother’s home as his creative canvas. Later, he met the love of his life, Tammy Tapahaa. They were engaged to be married until her life was tragically cut short by a drunk driver—a loss Jared never fully recovered from.
Jared’s childhood love of cars and games grew into a lifelong passion. Each morning, he set out on a mission to find unique Hot Wheels and antique toys and games. After his hunts, he loved meeting friends for breakfast or lunch, sharing laughter and good food. Jared was a true foodie—methodical and enthusiastic about every meal. Thanksgiving at his Uncle Ed’s house was always a highlight for him, filled with delicious food and family time. His final meal was Christmas dinner with his mother.
Jared loved his mother deeply and was fiercely protective of her. They were inseparable, and she will miss him beyond words—as will all who knew and loved him.
Jared is survived by his mother, Anna Marina Braithwaite, and his sisters, Andrea Braithwaite and Cindy Braithwaite. He was preceded in death by his father, Danny Wayne Braithwaite of Sterling, Utah (March 2025); his maternal grandparents, Raffaele Auricchio of Naples, Italy, and Frances May Dooney of Leamington Spa, England; his paternal grandparents, Wayne and Erma Braithwaite of Orem, Utah; and his cousin, Levi Braithwaite of St. George, Utah.
Jared, you were a gentle giant, our laughter, and our constant reminder of what it means to love unconditionally. Life will never be the same without you. We will carry your memory in our hearts forever and find comfort knowing you are at peace with Jesus. Until we meet again, we love you beyond words.
A celebration of life will be announced soon. Final arrangements are under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. To share online condolences, please visit www.mortuary.org.