Gavin Charles Yopp

Gavin Charles Yopp, 19, lived a short and brilliant life that ended on May 16, 2026 in a tragic accident. While there is no way to fully capture our son, brother, grandson, cousin, nephew and friend in the following paragraphs, we want to offer a snapshot of his time on earth.

Gavin possessed a sweet and kind soul that was clear to anyone in his company. Each night, he would lean down for his Mom to bless his forehead with her thumb as she etched the sign of the cross. Gavin adored his sister, Chloe, who he begrudgingly called his ‘Second Mom’ while always appreciating her maternal nature. He cherished his endless sports banter with his Dad who coached him in basketball, t-ball, and flag football.

Gifted with an enthusiasm for life and an innate ability to connect with others, he infused energy and light into every room he entered. Whether with family or friends, for his entire life Gavin was simply just a fun person to be around. As described by others, he was an “easy hang.”

Gavin was loyal to everyone and everything he loved. This was apparent at an early age and easily identified by others throughout his life. This trait has never been clearer than in the days since he died, as countless friends and family members highlighted loyalty as what they valued most in their relationship with Gavin. He was someone you wanted to be in your corner.

Gavin’s devotion to all things NC State was finally rewarded with the ’Pack’s run to the Final Four in 2024. He cashed in on a promise made by his Dad that they would attend the Final Four if the Wolfpack ever made it that far. Those few days in Phoenix were gold. Gavin’s good fortune with his sports teams continued earlier this year when the Seattle Seahawks brought home the Super Bowl.

Gavin graduated from Cardinal Gibbons in 2025 and recently completed his freshman year at Appalachian State University. To nobody’s surprise, his favorite college class was skiing. Whether hiking Grandfather Mountain with friends in the fall, hitting the slopes in the winter, and jumping off waterfalls when the weather warmed, Gavin embraced his year in the mountains.

Gavin is survived by the people whose lives he touched, including: his mother Colleen Yopp, father Justin Yopp, sister Chloe Yopp, maternal grandparents Tom and Christine Murphy, paternal grandparents Mary Ann Olsen, Ray Luce and Jan Yopp, uncles Morgan Murphy, Patrick Murphy (Sharon) and David Yopp (Laurie), his cousins Katherine, Emma, Thomas, Morgan, Finn, Gwendolyn, Rachel, and Maggie, and his best dog Rosie. An army of friends will forever remember and cherish their bond with Gavin, including good buddies made growing up in Raleigh and those he met during his year in Boone, most recently the men of Phi Sigma Kappa who truly became his brothers.

Gavin was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Mike Yopp, and great-grandparents including Jeanne Cummins and Marion Olsen who lived to know Gavin.

A Mass to honor and celebrate Gavin’s life will be held on May 29, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi, in Raleigh and will be celebrated by Father Luke Rawicki. A graveside service will follow at Raleigh Memorial Park. The family will host a Celebration of Gavin at 6:00 p.m. that evening at the NC State University Club to include dinner, stories, and fellowship. The family openly welcomes anyone who wishes to attend. The family will receive visitors Thursday evening May 28, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Mitchell Funeral Home at Raleigh Memorial Park, 7209 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh.

Gavin packed a lot of life in a short number of years. There is no escaping the heartbreak that comes with his death and we are committed to celebrating, cherishing, honoring, remembering, and forever telling stories about his incredible soul.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Gavin Yopp Memorial Scholarship Fund, (https://www.gofundme.com/f/gavin-yopp) to support the brothers of Phi Sigma Kappa at Appalachian State University, This commitment is a gift to Gavin’s family who will be actively involved in choosing recipients of this scholarship to keep his memory and spirit alive.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.