Andrew "AJ" Madrid

Andrew Jowell Madrid, of Las Cruces, NM, Passed Away on March 21, 2025, at Age 16

Andrew Jowell Madrid, affectionately known as "AJ" to his friends and family, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the tender age of 16. Born on January 26, 2009, he was the cherished son of Ignacio and Marcy Madrid.

AJ started playing baseball as soon as he could hold a bat and ball to be like his older brother, Adrian. At four, he began to play competitively with the Dukes, where he won his first of many Championships. He later played for the Scorpions and the Viperz, with his Dad as his dedicated coach for every team and his Mom as his biggest fan. The friendships he formed through these teams became an important part of his life, continuing to enrich it over the years. He attended Highland Elementary School, where he won his first track meet, and Camino Middle School, where he continued to excel academically, especially in Math. He attended Centennial High School, where he was a sophomore, and was currently playing on the Junior Varsity Baseball Team. AJ was a dedicated student and a passionate baseball player known for his kind spirit and infectious enthusiasm for life. He excelled in his studies and on the baseball field, dreaming of one day playing at the collegiate level, becoming an engineer, a Youtuber, or a pyrotechnician.

AJ was a beacon of joy and positivity, known for his cheerful demeanor, gentle spirit, and playful humor. He had an exceptional talent for making everyone around him smile and laugh, often with a clever joke or a well-timed prank. Apart from baseball, AJ enjoyed music, very loud music. If he wasn't playing baseball or listening to music, as a fireworks enthusiast, AJ dedicated as much research as possible in preparation for putting on a fireworks show, no matter the season. He also enjoyed spending quality time with his family, the cornerstones of his world.

AJ is survived by his loving parents, Ignacio and Marcy Madrid; his brother, Adrian Madrid; grandmothers, Blanca Madrid and Maria Mendoza; aunts and uncles, Alfred and Leticia Madrid, Fernando and Amanda Madrid, Armando and Claudia Mendoza, Hector and Ruth Mendoza, Elizabeth Mendoza and Armando Rodriguez; cousins, Corina, Fernando Jr., Alliya, and Gabby Madrid, Alexis and Jeremy Beichley, Daniel, Armando David, America, Alicia Mendoza, and Auzrael Beichley, who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Nacho Madrid and Armando Mendoza. AJ was a bright light in the lives of all who knew him, and his early departure leaves a void that cannot be filled.

A Funeral Mass to celebrate AJ’s life will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 1:00 pm at The Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral - 1240 S. Espina St., Las Cruces, NM 88001. The family appreciates the outpouring of support and love during this difficult time and invites all who knew AJ to join in remembering his vibrant spirit.

AJ’s legacy of love, humor, laughter, and kindness will forever remain in the hearts of those he touched. He will be profoundly missed but never forgotten.