Cole Hunter Hughes

A most charismatic, beautiful son and brother died suddenly on Friday, May 26. Cole was the younger of two sons, raised in a loving home, first in Kansas City, then in Boston and finally in Tucson. Outwardly, Cole looked like he had it all: intelligence, confidence, athletic ability, beautiful blue eyes, captivating smile, his Dad’s wit, his Mother’s charm, and the ability to engage and forge a relationship with anyone. Inwardly, Cole was sensitive and had struggles he hid well from his close friends and loving family.

Upon graduating from Salpointe Catholic High School, he walked on and started as a freshman soccer player at UC Santa Barbara. This is where drugs first entered Cole’s Life. Although Cole could never be completely honest about the trouble he was in, his love and respect for his parents became a lifeline over the years. He completed numerous drug rehab programs, but the craving that comes from true addiction was more than he could overcome. Over the past three years, Cole humbly submitted to the rehab option of Teen Challenge, a long-term faith based recovery program proven to be extremely effective. During his time at Teen Challenge we witnessed the emergence of a “New Cole.” Upon completion of the program, he became actively involved as a speaker and counselor at The O’Reilly Care Center. As one who had been there, Cole had a profound effect on the lives of people in the throes of addiction. We believe and pray that Cole’s testimony to the addicts he loved has saved and will continue to save lives in the future.

Though unclear if drugs directly or indirectly led to his death, years of drug abuse took a toll on his body.

The worry his parents felt when Cole was under the influence has been replaced by a deep feeling of loss in knowing that they will not see his smiling face again, until they join him and their Savior in heaven. Cole had surrendered his life to Christ, and that gives such peace in the presence of what would otherwise be untenable grief.

Cole’s struggles have ended. He is with our Lord. We will miss his keen sense of humor, his smile, his beautiful eyes. Goodbye Cole, we are going to miss you, but we rejoice that you are home.

“We can trust God with this.”

Cole leaves behind his parents, John and Thompson Hughes; his brother Justin (Wendy); nieces Hailey, Tenley and Britney; nephew Tanner.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Teen Challenge of Arizona, P.O. Box 77370, Tucson, AZ 85705.