Juan and Chris had been together for two years
It’s just too heart-breaking to contemplate. Just a year ago during Pride month, the Supreme Court ruled same sex-couples could marry. And now a year later, in the wake of the Orlando massacre, this couple who were killed, will have a joint funeral service instead of their wedding.
Juan Ramon Guerrero, 22, and his 32-year-old boyfriend, Christopher “Drew” Leinonen, were among the 49 people who lost their lives in the worst mass shooting in American history.
Their heartbroken families now have to plan the pair’s funeral services, laying the two side-by-side. Juan’s father, Juan Ramon Guerrero, Sr told Time,
“I think my son wanted to do that. That’s why. I don’t care what the people think. I don’t care.”
The couple – who lived together – had been dating for nearly two years.
Guerrero’s sister said their family was “really loving and accepting” when he came out as gay to them about three years ago, before remembering her brother’s love for his boyfriend.
It was Christine Leinonen – Christopher’s mother – who first had the idea that they should be laid to rest together, after she made a heartbreaking interview before discovering her son had died.
“They were honestly so in love. They were soul mates. You can tell by how they looked at each other. It’s a little comforting that they died together. If it’s not a funeral, they were going to have a wedding together.“
Juan had planned to be a financial advisor.
“He was so much love and light.”
The family said that they will remember their brother and son in the coming days, as they celebrate what would have been his 23rd birthday.
“My wife will cook all the food he likes. He was a beautiful kid, a hard worker, friendly, sweet person. I lost part of my life.”
(via Pink News)
