California Boy, 6, Dies after Going to Celebrate His Adoption Day with Family: 'He Spread Joy'

What was meant to be a joyous family celebration for a California family took a sudden and heartbreaking turn. A young boy, all set to ring in his adoption day with his parents and siblings, died most unexpectedly, leaving his loved ones in pieces.

Every family is unique and beautiful in its own way. Whether couples build their families naturally or through adoption, all that matters is one thing — every child deserves to grow up in a loving home with devoted parents and caring siblings.

Thanks to fostering and adoption, many people have been able to experience parental bliss and open their hearts and home to innocent kids otherwise deprived of love, care, and affection. Brace yourselves as we take you through one family's extraordinary tale of love, joy, and loss.

Choosing Adoption

Chantel and Sean Fox from Orange, California, had somewhat different views about starting their family. Sean said he had never thought much about how he wanted to step into parenthood; all he knew was that he wished to be a father.

Chantel and Sean's world was turned upside down in less than a day's time.

On the other hand, Chantel said she had always pictured having kids through adoption since she was a child. When the couple tied the knot, they decided not to have biological kids and embarked on their adoption journey.

Building Their Family

The Foxes adopted Colton as an infant in 2007. Chantel described her oldest son as an old soul with an empathetic heart that deeply felt for others. Sean noted that Colton had an enormous heart from a very tender age.

Shortly afterward, Chantel and Sean became foster parents, wanting to take in children with special needs. After Colton, they welcomed Ty in 2013, who was four at the time. The couple described him as a compassionate boy with a positive outlook on life.

While finalizing Ty's adoption, the couple welcomed Phoenix, who they said was magical and unique, just like his name. After that, they said yes to Rosie, who was eight months old and fighting a difficult battle. They also took in her sister, Mia, a brave and friendly little girl.

Welcoming Aramis

But the couple's lives changed when they were introduced to another child, Aramis, by Mia's caseworker. Sean described Aramis in these words: "His sense of adventure, I think, is what makes him really unique and special." Moreover, Chantel said:

"He epitomizes tenacity and determination and is like a grown man in a tiny body!"

Celebration Time

Even though Aramis had become an integral part of Chantel and Sean's lives much earlier, his adoption took quite some time to finalize. On the weekend of October 7, 2022, Aramis, his adoptive parents, and his five siblings set off to celebrate his adoption day.

The Fox family headed to Legoland to celebrate the significant occasion and have an early Halloween party. Aramis had lunch, cracked up his siblings and cousins, and enjoyed a fun-filled day with his adoptive family.

A Heartbreaking Tragedy

But an hour later, Aramis fell ill with a headache and a high fever. The Foxes immediately took him to the hospital, where they said he went into septic shock and passed away at the age of six.

His death was so sudden that many of his family members couldn't even say goodbye. Chantel and Sean's world was turned upside down in less than a day.

The loss of their beloved boy, whose full name was Aramis Emmanuel, crushed the family, leaving them in unthinkable agony and trauma.

Loved Beyond Measure

Aubrey Ashford, who created an online fundraising page to help support the Foxes in their difficult time, wrote:

"He was a piece of heaven here on earth."

As of October 11, over $7,000 have been raised on the GoFundMe page, and more donations continue to pour in. Ashford also added:

"[The Foxes] need our prayers. They need our love. They need our financial help. It is our turn to love like Jesus and bless this family while they grieve."

Remembering the Little One

Several friends and family members penned touching tributes for the lovely boy. Michelle Guilbert Davis, Aramis's teacher, wrote:

"This weekend we lost a very special boy and I was lucky enough to be his teacher. Our classroom will not be the same without him."

Molly Mahoney, a friend of the Foxes, expressed sheer grief on the tragic demise of Aramis, further stating:

"This is a kid who EVERYONE knew as soon as he walked in a room because he spread joy with a bit of sass and tenacity like no child I've ever known."

Fly High in the Heavens

Aramis's aunt, Jill Hudson, mentioned that she would never forget her nephew's slanted smile and how he imitated Fozzie Bear. She also said:

"Enjoy playing at Legoland in Heaven. Thanking God for you as our gift."

Loving Parents

Chantel and Sean loved Aramis and all their adoptive kids dearly. They went on to adopt another child in 2020, Baby River. To fit their large brood at the time, Shari Johns had created a GoFundMe to help the Foxes buy a new vehicle. John wrote:

"We'd like to raise money to help them get a new van so they can get around as a family."

Hearts Full of Love

Chantel and Sean built their family and took in Aramis and their other adoptive kids thanks to Olive Crest, which was founded in 1973 and had helped change the lives of thousands of neglected and at-risk children. About their beautiful family, Chantel expressed:

"We were open to kids with special needs and we were kind of like 'bring me your hardest to place kids.'"

Rest in Peace

We are so sorry for the Fox family's loss. Rest in eternal peace, little boy, and watch over your lovely family from the heavens.

You were undoubtedly a blessing to your loved ones. We pray for the Fox family's peace and strength in this challenging time.