Jonathan Gonzalez-Valdez was 24 and lived in Franklin, North Carolina. A painter who worked with his father in the family business, he was remembered for a gentle heart, a love of reading and artwork, and dedication to perfecting his craft. He was the son of Leonardo Gonzalez and Rita Valdez and brother to Alexis, Maria, and Jacqueline. Family accounts emphasize his kindness, infectious laughter, and the time he spent teaching and playing with his three nephews.

The available notices do not describe the circumstances of his death on February 21, 2021, and offer no information about arrests, suspects, or investigations. The published remembrances focus on celebrating his life and the effect he had on family and friends.