A fun school event! — with Micah, Evie, Poppy, and Elisa

Enjoying the view — with Micah and Evie

I had the privilege of teaching Micah this past school year, and I won’t forget his thoughtful spirit. When I first met him in ninth grade, I called him Michael for months. He was too kind to correct me. That was Micah—gentle, patient, and full of grace.

He was one of the few students who would to office hours, not because he desperately needed help, but because he wanted to do it right. He cared about understanding deeply. His steady pursuit of truth and kindness reflected Micah 6:8 so clearly. He acted justly, loved mercy, and walked humbly.

This summer, I started watching Brooklyn Nine-Nine because he recommended it. He said I’d like it, and of course, he was right. I wasn't scheduled to be his teacher this year, but I’ll miss our conversations and his presence. I’m so grateful to have known him.

My heartfelt sympathy to you Tim, Brianne, and Evelyn. He was deeply admired, and he is deeply missed.

This is heartbreaking. Bridget and I always smile when we talk about our time together on Walnut St - such fond memories, such young parents. Irreplaceable experiences together with our first born children.

Steve and Bridget Elliott

Summer fun! — with Cassidy Kallal

Car rides together❤️ — with Cassidy Kallal

Marsh Creek Trips — with Cassidy Kallal

My first ever bestfriend❤️ — with Cassidy Kallal

What beautiful words honoring an exceptional young man. It was a privilege to have shared the weekend with you all just a month ago, watching Micah’s joy as he interacted with my kids playing volleyball, corn hole and enjoying the pool. My heart aches for you. I know my dear mom, grandma and grandpa are hugging sweet Micah and they are smiling together now. Praying for a peace that surpasses understanding until you meet again. Sending all my love to you and your dear family. All our love, Steph, Steve, Justin, Julia and Jamie

Micah was blessed with the most wonderful family, unquestionably loved and protected every moment of his life. Though your world has been rocked and your hearts forever marked by the unimaginable, may you take rest in knowing that you loved your son well. And now Micah ventures on:  “I have come home at last! This is my real country! I belong here. This is the land I have been looking for all my life, though I never knew it till now...Come further up, come further in!” (C.S. Lewis, The Last Battle, Chronicles of Narnia) 

Reading Phillies game — with Micah, Aiden, Hutch

Dear Tim and Brianne, 

Our hearts are overcome with sorrow at hearing this so very tragic news.  We can only imagine how much you must miss your wonderful son, Micah.  From what we learned in the beautiful obituary, Micah was an incredibly special, Godly young man.  You must be very proud of him and know that he is with Christ, his Savior now, looking down on us all.  Please know that we will be thinking a lot about your families and Micah and will be keeping you all in our prayers every night.

Love, Nate, Melissa, and family 

A very touching and memorable picture of our beloved Micah. - Gigi

Micah was always in his element around kids! This is summer 2024 at Club 316.

Gates family viewing our kids art installation

Micah's artwork depicting Matthew 27:57-66

It's hard to think of just one story of Micah. In my eyes, Micah has always been confidently himself... not many 13/14 year old boys would put on a puppet show for a group of little kids completely unprompted :) I was always impressed with him and I appreciated the gift he had when it came to interacting with children. He was always calm and competent when it came to handling a challenging child. Recently Micah and I were struggling with a child at church and at one point we both got punched by said child, I looked at Micah and said "are you ok?" and he had a small smile and said "yep!" I was freaking out but he was calm, cool and collected.  I was always filled with relief when Micah would come up to me on a Sunday morning in the midst of chaotic check in time and ask "can I help in a room?" my answer was always YES PLEASE (!!!) but I tried to play it cool so as not to freak him out with my enthusiasm. His playfulness and calm, strong sense of self permeated the classroom and teachers and children were always thrilled to see him. He will be deeply, deeply missed by everyone involved in children's ministry at New Story.  In 2023, I asked Micah if he would create a piece of artwork for our kids hallway. He painted a beautiful picture that depicts Jesus' burial in Matthew 27:57-66 and attended our art opening with his family. Micah and his friend Aiden worked on their artwork together. Aiden's artwork was hanging across from Micah's in our hallway, and depicted the next part of the story in Matthew 28, "He is not here, he is risen," I know, and Micah knew that death is not the end of the story. He knew that Jesus defeated death once and for all and because of that death doesn't get to have the final say. I am full of deep sorrow for Micah and for his family left behind and at the same time I hold deep hope because Micah knew Jesus and (the best part of all) Jesus knows Micah. "Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father There is no shadow of turning with Thee, Thou changest not, They compassions, they fail not, As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be." Sending so much love to you - Tim, Brianne and Evie.

Tim and Brianne- you moved away from our area when you were expecting Micah , so we never had the privilege of meeting him. Our hearts ache with yours at this sudden loss yet we are thankful Micah is eternally secure with Jesus. May the Lord wrap His arms around your family as you mourn and fill you with His peace. 

Love, hugs and prayers ,

Charlene and Geoff Brock 

I am a friend of one of your friends. I wish you all the strength, support, community, and grace I would need in the loss of one of my kids. 

Micah always had the biggest smile on his face. Even outside of student ministries at our school, his joy was such a light to those around him. Because I’m a grade below, we didn’t know each other all that well, but I knew from seeing him in student ministries that I wanted to have a heart for God like he did. Micah impacted me in ways he never knew— the way he carried himself, the way he laughed and smiled, and the way he loved the Lord. My heart breaks in prayers for healing, so instead I pray for patience knowing that our goodbye is not forever. Thanks for your smiles, Micah. They will be missed.

We are all very sorry for your loss.  We haven't been in touch enough.  Please reach out to us if you need anything or would like to talk. My parents Bob and Eloise are very saddened to hear this news. Your always welcome to stop by anytime.  We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers always. 

I met Micah a few months ago when I interviewed him, and then had lunch with him, as part of the college prep interviews.  He seemed like an all around great young man.  I'm so sorry for your loss.  Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.