Aaron Preston Hatchett

Aaron Preston Hatchett was born February 7, 1985, in Long Beach, California to the union of Derrick and Lori Hatchett. Aaron was the love of their life and brought them so much joy. Even though the union didn’t last, they remained loving co‐parents throughout Aaron’s adult life.

While raising Aaron as a young boy, Lori met and married Justin Willis and the three became a family. Shortly thereafter, Aaron was blessed to become a big brother to Joy Ashley Willis who he affectionately called “Pookie.” Aaron loved hugging and smothering Joy with kisses which sometimes annoyed Joy, but it created a lifelong bond that cannot be broken.

Aaron spent his early school years at Moreno Valley Christian and Hawarden Hills Academy. It was during this time that Aaron developed an ear for music and learned to play the saxophone. As Aaron’s musical talent developed, he had the opportunity to play at school events, church events, and birthday parties. Aaron attended Linfield Christian Middle School and Chaparral High School. While in high school he became a member of the Chaparral marching band. He also played basketball and ran track.

As a young adult, Aaron enlisted in the United States Navy. While serving in the Navy, Aaron spent time in Chicago, Singapore, and San Diego.

Aaron first became a father in 2011, with the birth of his curly red‐haired son Jayden. Jayden brought new meaning to Aaron’s life, as the next generation of the “Hatchett” men. Some of Aaron’s most treasured times were being with his dad Derrick also known as “Papa Bear” and his son Jayden at the beach house.

In 2013 came the birth of Aaron’s twin – his beautiful daughter Olivia, who he affectionately called “Girlie.” Some of Olivia’s fondest memories of her dad was spending days at Six Flags, playing in the park, and eating his delicious steak dinners prepared just for her.

Aaron relocated to Arizona and pursued his creativity with a camera, becoming one of Arizona’s most notable independent hip hop videographers affectionately known in the industry as “Shot By Hatch.” Aaron was nominated for videographer of the year at the 2023 AZMT Music Awards.

Aaron is survived by his children Jayden and Olivia Hatchett; mother Lori Willis; father Derrick Hatchett (Cat); dad Justin Willis; sister Joy Riley (Justin); grandparents: Joan “GiGi”, John “Paw Paw” and Buddy Cain; aunties: Shari, Kim, Shelley, San, Vicki, Myra and Susan; uncles Nate and Melvin and a host of other aunts, uncles, cousins, niece and nephew, friends and loved ones.