Utterly confused and overwhelmed by the sudden death of our beloved Denzel Keith Riggins, on May 28, 2025, at home, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Denzel was born August 4, 1994, at Torrance Memorial Hospital, Torrance, CA. The son of Shirley Brown Lahargoue and Brian Riggins.

Denzel graduated Decatur High School Class of 2012, Federal Way, WA. General Education, with electives in:

Marine Biology, excelling from life-long love for all animals; and joined the Unicycle Club, riding a 5ft unicycle in the Puyallup, WA, Daffodil Parade.

Denzel being the intelligent and successful young man we all knew him to be, was hired at WinCo Foods, Federal Way, WA, as cart clerk, the very day he turned 16! Denzel purchased his first vehicle a Toyota and drove to HS his senior year, to work, the beach and all-around town. We were all so very proud of D! His career went upward and onward from there. A Barista at Target's Starbucks, Federal Way, WA; Server at Duke's, Seattle, WA; and, moving to Los Angeles in 2018, a server for Jon and Vinny's, Los Angeles & Brentwood, CA.

Denzel moved from WA State to Los Angeles, CA in 2017 and from LA to Brazil in January 2024. Auntie Sarah and Uncle Paul drove Denzel to the airport said their heartfelt goodbyes; but, driving home they got a call from D saying he couldn't take Mia on the plane because of an error on paperwork. Denzel was heartbroken, to tears even. He asked Auntie and Uncle to come back to the airport to pick up his kitty. Sarah and Paul prayed for D on their way back to the airport. Then D calls back a few minutes later and excitedly said TSA approved Mia's travel! Before moving to Brazil, D learned the Portuguese language! He continued working remotely, from USA in Brazil as an online manager; and Denzel also taught English to Portuguese students attending night school as well as one on one students.

As a young boy, Denzel and his cousin Spencer played T-ball, a memory which brings heartwarming laughter to his mom. He also played on a local soccer team and football in Middle School. Denzel loved the outdoors, beaches and river rafting. He was so adventurous and loved life. Music, dancing and travel were of high interests to Denzel. He would video and post many concerts he attended. He especially loved to travel whereby he successfully stepped onto 3 of the 7 Wonders of the World. This achievement he was so proud to mention! Denzel loved living in 2 beautiful countries, America and Brazil. He was so excited to live in Brazil, just ask anyone who visited D there, they'll agree how happy he was!

Denzel was playful, outgoing, friendly, happy, well-balanced, cheerful and even-tempered. He expected little off others and accepted his parents and friends as they are. His mom said she never had any problems with her son. Denzel was open, confident, reasonable when asked to help, and was very protective of his sister Angelena. D had a high sense of values and, to Denzel, home and family came first. He was a most loyal and best friend one could find and he would always support whatever or whoever he believed in.

In addition to his parents, Denzel is predeceased by his Sister, Angelena Lahargoue, Federal Way, WA; Grandmother's, Fannie Thompson, Kansas City, MO and Helen Grundy Brown, Folsom, CA; Aunt's, Shannon Murphy, Sedona , AZ, Sarah Gallardo, San Fernando, CA, and Kellie Grundy, Cameron Park, CA, and great-aunt, Jonette Hood, Placerville, CA; Uncle's, Barry Riggins, Long Beach, CA and Paul Gallardo, San Fernando, CA; 1st cousins, Spencer Jefferson, Scottsdale , AZ; Jasmone Riggins, Long Beach, CA. Many cousins; and Denzel's village of best friends! Denzel loved us all.

A Service of Remembrance and Celebration of Life

Pastor Caroline Barnett

Saturday, August 9, 2025, 12 O'clock Noon at:

Dream Center Chapel

2301 Bellevue Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90026

Tribute Celebration and Reception immediately following service.

*Obituary written by Denzel's Grandmother Helen Grundy  

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