Connor Gibson Gerhart, 31, died suddenly and tragically on June 1, 2023 at his home in Pacific Beach, CA.

Connor was born on Sept 28, 1991 in San Diego, California and grew up in the Mt. Helix neighborhood of La Mesa. He graduated from La Jolla Country Day High School and was a natural leader who loved sports. While attending LJCDS he played football and baseball all four years, earning All-League in both and serving as the team captain of both teams. He led the football team to two Pacific League championships and was recognized as the football offensive MVP in his senior year. Connor later returned in 2015 as a volunteer linebackers coach for the Torrey football team.

After graduating from LJCDS, Connor attended the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, the nation’s #1 undergraduate engineering program. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 2015. The highlight of his time at Rose-Hulman was playing all four years on the varsity football team and leading the team to their first conference championship in 25 years as team captain.

After graduation, Connor became a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. He later joined Clark Construction, one of the largest building and infrastructure companies in the US, where he excelled in his career rising to Assistant Project Superintendent. Among the many projects he worked on at Clark, he was most proud of the redevelopment and expansion of both the San Ysidro and Otay Mesa ports of entry with Mexico – both ports are among the busiest in the world for people and cargo.

Connor was a bright shining light with a beautiful heart who made an impact on everyone who met him. He lit up the world with his smile and always made people feel special. He had a quick wit, the most infectious laugh, and brought joy to others. He loved his wife, family, and friends and was one of the kindest people to walk the earth. He gave the biggest and best hugs, the kind that make you feel cherished. Connor was there when his family and friends needed him, and his life’s philosophy was embodied by the words tattooed on his back, “He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother.” He loved golfing, scuba diving, snowboarding, sky diving, and spending time with his family. He had a passion for new experiences and travel, and there were so many places he still wanted to see. In addition to his adventurous spirit, Connor had a sentimental side. He was patient and loyal, much like his spirit animal the sea turtle, which we hope is guiding him on his journey now.

Connor was recently married, had a promising career, was surrounded by love and support, and had a very promising future. He overcame and persevered through numerous challenges in his life. Like many Americans, Connor suffered from bouts of depression, chronic pain related to sports injuries and surgeries, and opioid addiction, leading to his death of an accidental fentanyl overdose – now the #1 cause of death in the US for those 18-45 years old. Just one pill can kill. May his tragic death significantly heighten awareness of this epidemic and serve as a catalyst for families and friends of those suffering from addiction to have the difficult but necessary conversation regarding risks, treatment, and support. In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations in Connor’s name to https://www.shatterproof.org/.

Connor is survived by his wife, Christina Jensen; his parents, Jane and Erik Frey, Bill Gerhart and Melissa Seipel-Gerhart; his sister and brother-in-law, Catherine and Bret Tollgaard; his brother, Stephen Frey; as well as extended family, colleagues, and countless friends who will miss him greatly. Connor enriched and made lives better with his presence. He will forever live in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

A celebration of Connor’s life is planned on July 17 at 10:00am at the Fairbanks Ranch Country Club in Rancho Santa Fe, California.

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