Denzel Keith Riggins

Denzel Riggins was born on August 4, 1994, in Los Angeles, CA, to Shirley Brown and Brian Riggins. From an early age, Denzel radiated joy and curiosity. He had a deep love for music, dancing, people, and traveling. He had a special way of connecting with others and made friends everywhere he went.

In 1996, the family relocated to Seattle, WA, where Denzel would go on to graduate from Decatur High School in Federal Way, WA in 2012. From the age of 6 to 15, Denzel spent his summers in Kansas City, even living there for a year. During that time, he attended Sheffield Family Life Center, where he later expressed a heartfelt desire to be baptized. Fulfilling that wish, he was baptized by his mother.

At a point in his life, Denzel returned to Los Angeles, where he worked at a high-end restaurant. There, he had the opportunity to serve celebrities such as Jay-Z and Beyoncé, who later invited him to bartend at a private party in their home. Though he initially admitted he did not know how to bartend, Denzel’s determination led him to learn and attend the event, a moment he treasured deeply.

His passion for exploration took him across seven countries and numerous U.S. states. Eventually, he fell in love with Brazil, where he moved to embrace a new way of life. While there, he taught English and worked remotely, fully immersing himself in the culture and people.

Denzel leaves behind a loving family and countless friends who will forever cherish his vibrant spirit and warm heart. Left to honor his life, his parents, Shirley Lahargoue of Seattle, Washington, and Brian Riggins of Kansas City, Missouri; his sister, Angelena Lahargoue of Seattle, Washington; his grandmothers, Helen Grundy of Sacramento, California, and Fannie Thompson of Kansas City, Missouri; along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends across the world.

Denzel’s light will continue to shine in the lives he touched.

Thank you from the family: The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to everyone who generously donated, offered support, shared kind words, and surrounded us with love during this incredibly difficult time. Your compassion made it possible for us to bring Denzel home and honor his life in the way he deserved. We are beyond grateful for the village that came together for him. Each of you played a part in helping us celebrate the beautiful soul he was. Thank you for being a part of Denzel’s journey, for sharing in his joy, and for walking alongside him during his time on this earth. As he transitions to the next chapter of life, your love has given us comfort, strength, and the reminder that Denzel’s spirit lives on in every life he touched.