It is with immense sorrow that we announce the passing of Josiah Patrick Santos, age 22, of Tucson, Arizona. Josiah tragically lost his life on October 30, 2025, alongside the love of his life, Sophia Akimi Troetel, age 21.

Josiah was born on April 12, 2003, in Prescott, Arizona, to Andrea Hope Santos and Leo Santos Jr. He attended Washington Traditional School in Prescott and later Walter Douglas and Centennial Elementary Schools in Tucson. He also attended Flowing Wells Junior High, where his early passion for performance first blossomed.

Even at a young age, Josiah’s charisma and creativity shone brightly. He performed in numerous junior high productions, taking on memorable roles such as The Little Pig That Didn’t Get Eaten by the Wolf, Goldilocks on Trial, 21 Guaranteed Ways to Get Detention (as Damien), Xanadu Jr. (as Roger in the band The Tubes), and High School Musical Jr. (as Troy Bolton). His teachers quickly recognized his natural talent, humor, and dedication to his craft—qualities that would continue to define him throughout his life.

Josiah’s love for music began in elementary school, when he first picked up a recorder. By junior high, he had moved to the flute, and through the years, his musical world grew. In high school, he played the flute, Native American flute, alto saxophone, piccolo, piano, guitar, harmonica, and kazoo. He was proficient in reading and composing music, creating pieces that reflected his boundless imagination and heart. Music was his language, and he spoke it fluently.

A bright and determined student, Josiah graduated from Flowing Wells High School in 2022 as Salutatorian. In addition to his academic excellence, he was a phenomenal singer, musician, and actor, as well as a true friend and respected mentor to his peers. Josiah’s passion for the performing arts was evident in every note he sang and every role he portrayed. He played a variety of characters throughout high school, including the leading role of Dmitry in the school musical Anastasia his senior year. He was also an accomplished flutist in the school band and a tenor in the school’s top choir, the Choralaires.

After graduation, Josiah continued to sing with some of his closest high school friends and fellow Flowing Wells alumni in Meow or Never A Cappella, for which he later became Music Director. Everyone who knew Josiah at Flowing Wells will never forget his sense of humor, brilliant talent, strong and beautiful tenor voice, and unwavering dedication to his friends. He will forever be in their hearts.

Following high school, Josiah earned a full scholarship to the University of Arizona, where he was in his senior year pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts with a minor in Japanese. He was scheduled to graduate in May 2026, carrying a 3.7 GPA this semester and having earned prior Dean’s List honors for his academic excellence. Josiah poured his heart into every community he joined, serving as a leader, collaborator, and creative force.

A devoted member of Meow or Never A Cappella throughout his college career, Josiah served as Assistant Music Director (2023–2024), was a featured soloist for three consecutive years at the International Collegiate A Cappella Competition (2023–2025), and was honored to be Music Director and Composer for the 2025–2026 season. His beautiful voice resonated not only across the University of Arizona campus but throughout the entire Arizona a cappella community.

In addition to a cappella, Josiah performed with the University of Arizona’s production of Bright Star, appearing as part of the ensemble. He also shared his talents with The Charles Darwin Experience, the university’s improv troupe, where he served as Treasurer. Within the School of Theatre, Film & Television, Josiah left a lasting impact through his original writing. One of his professors shared that Josiah’s full-length play, Project Wolf, written during an independent study over the summer, demonstrated his depth, creativity, and bold voice as a playwright. His work was described as “challenging and innovative, sacrificing logic and reason for heart and perspective—much like Josiah himself.”

Josiah’s artistic range extended beyond writing and performing — he also found joy in costume construction and design. He took a costume-making course at the University of Arizona and was incredibly proud of sewing his own pair of pajamas from scratch. His creativity had no limits; whether acting, composing, or stitching fabric, he poured himself fully into the craft. He also loved tap dancing, often joking that rhythm lived in his feet as much as in his heart.

Beyond the classroom and stage, Josiah contributed to the local arts scene by ushering for Broadway in Tucson at Centennial Hall, where he joyfully welcomed audiences and supported the productions he so admired. His enthusiasm for the arts was boundless—whether on stage, behind the scenes, or in the crowd, he was always part of the magic.

Outside of school, Josiah’s warmth and enthusiasm extended into his work life. In November 2023, he joined the Skyline Country Club Food & Beverage Department, where his joyful spirit quickly became known. He sang and danced through his shifts, bringing smiles to coworkers and members alike. His Skyline family supported him at his performances, and in December 2024, he helped organize and starred as a featured soloist in a holiday cabaret concert, a highlight that showcased both his immense talent and generous heart.

After leaving Skyline in April 2025, Josiah remained close with many of its members, who continued to attend his Tucson-area performances. He later joined the Food & Beverage Department at Westward Look Resort & Spa, where he worked until his passing. True to form, he filled every shift with laughter, music, and creativity—and often slipped away to write lyrics or polish a script when inspiration struck. His coworkers describe him as hardworking, genuine, and endlessly uplifting.

Beyond campus and work, Josiah performed with Arts Express Theatre in productions including Fiddler on the Roof (as Motel), The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Catch Me If You Can, and Anastasia, and was most recently cast as Specs in Newsies. His passion for the performing arts was radiant and contagious—he spent every waking moment creating, singing, and, most tenderly, loving Sophia Troetel.

Josiah and Sophia shared a rare and beautiful bond: a love passionate, unique, and profound. He often said she was his soulmate, the person who completed him. Josiah was making plans to take Sophia to his hometown of Prescott to propose, excited to begin their next chapter together. What a blessing it is to find your forever person so young, and to love so deeply.

When Josiah wasn’t performing, rehearsing, or studying, he loved spending any free time he had singing Broadway songs in the car with his mom, hanging out with his “little big sisters,” and eating like nobody’s business. Those who knew him best knew how much he adored his family. He loved his mother deeply—his last message to her was, “I love you, Mom.”

Those who knew Josiah describe him as kind, compassionate, and endlessly giving. Outgoing and animated in public, yet gentle and reflective in private, he embodied empathy and light. He was a devoted son and a loyal friend—a true “mama’s boy” whose humor and warmth brightened every room. He dreamed of Broadway, of happily ever after, and of a world made better through art, music, and love.

Josiah was preceded in death by his grandfather, Patrick Andrew Carney, and cousin, Drue Mitchell Carney.

He is survived by his loving mother Andrea Hope Santos of Tucson; father Leo Santos Jr. of California; brother Leo James Santos, currently serving in the United States Air Force in Germany; sister Sarah Santos of California; brother Isaac Santos of California; sisters Mathia Santos and Rey Santos of Tucson; grandparents Raul and Donna Villa of California and Omega Carney of Simi Valley, California; uncle Andy Carney and aunt Tammy Carney of Apache Junction; uncle Tom Carney and aunt Tammy Carney of Simi Valley, California; cousins Devin and Carley of Mesa, and Taylor of Youngstown, Ohio; along with countless extended family and friends who loved him deeply.

Though words cannot capture the depth of this loss, we take comfort in knowing that Josiah and Sophia didn’t just live life—they did life. Their love story was one of joy, laughter, and courage. They will rest forever in each other’s arms.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Josiah’s honor to the Josiah Santos Memorial Scholarship Fund at Arts Express Theatre, which has been established to support young performers in pursuing their dreams, or by donating non-perishable food items to the University of Arizona Campus Pantry, continuing his legacy of creativity, kindness, and community care.

A private family viewing for siblings and parents will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Adair Funeral Homes, 1050 N. Dodge Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85716.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, November 14, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Sonoran Ballroom at Westward Look Resort & Spa, 245 E. Ina Road, Tucson, AZ 85704.

Light snacks and refreshments will be served. Guests are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the University of Arizona Campus Pantry, which supports U of A students and faculty during difficult times.

In honor of Josiah’s vibrant spirit, guests are kindly asked not to wear dark attire.

Please come dressed in your Sunday best, Broadway shirts, club shirts, or in shades of red—his favorite color and a symbol of love, warmth, and passion for life.

The Santos family extends heartfelt gratitude to friends, family, and the Tucson community for their incredible outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.

Josiah will be forever loved, forever missed, and forever remembered.