Parenthood is no easy feat. It’s a rollercoaster ride marked with endless twists, turns, and struggles that can sometimes take an emotional toll. Still, if given a choice, no parent would ever trade away the extraordinary joy of holding their little ones and seeing them grow into responsible adults.
No parent can bear seeing their kids in harm’s way, and they would go to any lengths to protect their offspring. Sadly, no matter how fast we run, we can’t always escape tragedy and sad endings. The family in today’s story underwent a similar situation.
Munir Delgado, nicknamed “Toota,” lived in Old Town Goleta, Santa Barbara County, California. He was the youngest of six siblings and the baby of the family — loved and cherished by everyone. Munir had four older brothers, aged four, five, nine, and fourteen, and an older sister, aged seven.
Shana was deprived of her ray of sunshine, and Gaye “lost a part of her heart.”
Little Munir was known for his infectious smile and giggles that were powerful enough to brighten the dullest days. He loved being goofy, making everyone laugh, and playing with his older brothers and sister.
Munir’s mother, Shana Delgado, loved her children with all her heart and soul and was a wonderful parent in every way possible. The toddler was valued by his grandmother, Gaye, and aunt, Annette Rodriguez.
Life was beautiful for the Delgado family, and every day was filled with love and happiness. Then, one day in August 2022, their picture-perfect family portrait experienced deep cracks, shattering into a million pieces.
On Tuesday, August 30, little Munir was reportedly struck by a vehicle on Nectarine Avenue and suffered major injuries. First responders arrived on the scene and took the toddler to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.
Sadly, the little boy couldn’t recover and succumbed to his traumatic wounds. The news of Munir’s tragic demise devastated his family, as the one-year-old boy was set to celebrate his second birthday in a few weeks. His aunt, Rodriguez, wrote on the GoFundMe page:
“[Munir] would have had his annual birthday party with his older sister who will be turning 8 as [their] birthdays are so close they always celebrate together. Instead they are all holding each other tight having witnessed as children the loss of their baby brother.”
Losing Munir broke the Delgado family. Shana was deprived of her ray of sunshine, and Gaye “lost a part of her heart.” Rodriguez created a GoFundMe fundraiser to help support the bereaved family and cover their little angel’s funeral and memorial costs.
The late toddler’s aunt urged people to keep her family in their prayers. She wrote:
“Even a prayer is of absolute appreciation from the bottom of my heart and my [sister] Shana’s heart.”
In a Facebook post, Rodriguez thanked the community members for showing their love and support for her family. She expressed:
“I’ve never seen such a huge community support and for this special see baby boy who is now or angel, we think you are from the bottom of our hearts (sic).”
As of September 2, 2022, over $11,000 have been raised on the GoFundMe page, and new donations continue to pour in. Rodriguez thanked everyone who donated to the fundraiser on behalf of the entire Delgado family. She further added:
“On behalf of my sis and dear nephews family THANK YOU. This sweet baby boy touched so many during his short life with us and as an Angel now incredibly showing his strength (sic).”
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, nearly 893 pedestrians lost their lives on California roadways in 2018, a 26% increase from 2014.
Rodriguez mentioned that the Delgado family discussed with their neighbors about the dangerous street where little Munir lost his life. During their conversation, the community vowed to fight for a crosswalk and speed bumps to be installed on the street in ‘Toota’s’ honor.
On September 1, several people joined the Delgados and remembered little Munir at his streetside memorial. Supporters and mourners fondly prayed for the late tot and left flowers, cards, and stuffed toys. Rodriguez revealed:
“This sweet boy was so loved and even for those who may not have known him there has been an outcry from the community of support for this family and I want to take the time to thank all of you (sic).”
Our sincerest condolences and heartfelt prayers are with Munir’s family. May God give them the strength to cope with their beloved boy’s loss. Fly high in the heavens, little angel.