“He loved people, he was full of light, full of life and joy.” Cash Gaudio’s family remembers his light after loss

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WDBJ) - The heartbreak that Shannon Meyers, mother of 19-year-old Cash Gaudio, faces is beyond words.

Her son, full of light and love, was taken from her family, leaving a void that seems impossible to fill.

“He loved people, he was full of light, full of life and joy,” said Meyers. “It’s just inconceivable and unbearable that this is our life now.”

The pain of losing Cash is indescribable. Meyers says they are coping day by day, remembering the warmth and joy he brought into the world.

“He saved my life, he saved his brother’s life… and he would have never hurt anyone, ever," said Meyers.

Cash’s faith was at the center of his life. His family says he lived his beliefs every day, accepting and welcoming everyone he met. His sister, McKenna-Kate Gaudio, said he was a role model for what a good Christian should be.

“He was accepting of everyone, and loving of everyone, and used his relationship with the Lord for good,” Gaudio said.

At just 19, Cash had already started making his mark as a young entrepreneur. With a passion for cars, he launched a successful car detailing business. He was also studying business at Central Virginia Community College (CVCC) and had plans to transfer to UVA.

One of his best friends, Terry White, shared a special moment when Cash fulfilled a dream.

“Back in June, he got the chance to drive two of his dream cars on a track in Vegas. That was very special to him, and he even beat my record time,” said White.

But in an act of senseless tragedy, Cash’s bright future was cut short. Despite their overwhelming grief, Cash’s family is determined to keep his memory alive.

“I do ask that you share his story,” Gaudio said. “My mom and I are going to fight to make sure no one forgets his name, but we need help with that.”

Cash’s impact reaches far and wide. Over 2,500 people attended his memorial service, a testament to how much he meant to those who knew him. His family has since launched the Cash Gaudio Memorial Scholarship, which will help student-athletes pursue their dreams, just like Cash did.

Cash’s family is also asking the community to continue sharing memories of Cash, ensuring his light and love live on. His family, though broken by the loss, remains determined to see justice.

“I can’t even call it justice because there is no justice,” said Meyers. “But whatever justice is allowed, we will be there fighting.”

Cash’s family created a GoFundMe account to support the scholarship.