In Loving Memory of Jeremiah Porchia

In Loving Memory of Jeremiah Porchia

Toledo, Ohio

With hearts weighed down by sorrow, the Toledo community mourns the devastating loss of Jeremiah Porchia, a 19-year-old young man whose life touched far more people than many ever knew. What began as a desperate search filled with hope for his safe return has now ended in unimaginable heartbreak. Jeremiah, who was reported missing on November 25, 2025, is believed to be the individual whose body was recovered from the Maumee River near the Martin Luther King Bridge in downtown Toledo. While official identification and the cause of death remain pending following an autopsy by the Lucas County Coroner’s Office, his family has been forced to face a reality no parent should ever have to endure.

Jeremiah was more than a missing person. He was more than a name on a flyer or a face shared across social media. Jeremiah mattered. His life mattered. He was a young man with a heart for others, a passionate advocate against youth violence, and a believer in the power of mentorship, guidance, and community. Even while navigating his own struggles, Jeremiah remained committed to helping others find direction, safety, and hope.

In the months leading up to his disappearance, Jeremiah was bravely confronting mental health challenges following a recent diagnosis of schizophrenia. His mother, Danetta, shared words he confided in her that now echo with heartbreaking weight:

“Mom, I’m sorry, it’s just my mind is broken, something wrong with my brain.”

Those words speak not only to his pain, but to his self-awareness, his vulnerability, and the immense courage it took to voice his struggle. They are words that will remain forever etched in his mother’s heart—and in the hearts of all who hear them.

Authorities conducted extensive searches of the riverfront following Jeremiah’s disappearance, including sonar searches in November. It is believed that lower water levels may have contributed to the eventual recovery of his body. Though answers are still pending, the loss itself is already deeply felt.

Jeremiah’s story was shared because he was loved. Because he was missing. Because he deserved to be found. And because even in loss, his life deserves to be remembered with dignity, compassion, and truth. His passing is a painful reminder of the very real battles faced by so many young people, particularly those living with mental illness—and of the urgent need for understanding, support, and care.

To his mother Danetta, to his family, friends, and everyone who held onto hope during the search: your grief is seen, your pain is shared, and your love for Jeremiah is undeniable. The outpouring of concern and support reflects just how deeply his presence mattered to this community.

Jeremiah Porchia will be remembered for his heart, his advocacy, his desire to make a difference, and the light he brought to others—even when he himself was hurting. His legacy is one of compassion, courage, and a call for greater care for those struggling in silence.

May Jeremiah Porchia rest in eternal peace. May his family find comfort in knowing he was loved, searched for, and never forgotten. And may his story continue to inspire empathy, action, and hope for others walking similar paths.

If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day—call or text 988. You are not alone.

Gone too soon. Deeply loved. Forever remembered. 🕊️