John William Hayes

John William Hayes, lovingly known as "Cincinnati John," passed away on February 23, 2026, at the age of 33. Born on July 18, 1992, in Cincinnati, Ohio, John lived a life defined by the friendships he built, the love he gave freely, and the adventures he embraced with his whole heart.

Raised in Cincinnati, John carried his roots proudly. His nickname followed him wherever he went, a tribute to the city that shaped his humor, loyalty, and unmistakable warmth. Nearly six years ago, he moved to Denver with the simple but powerful goal of exploring new places and meeting new people. That move reflected who John was at his core - curious, courageous, and open to the world.

John was a true, free spirit. He found joy in nature and felt most alive on a hiking trail, under an open sky, or gathered around a campfire with friends. He loved camping, exploring unfamiliar roads, and traveling whenever he could. Travel, above all else, was his passion - not only for the places he saw, but for the people he met along the way. He had an extraordinary ability to turn strangers into friends and ordinary moments into lifelong memories.

If you asked John how he wanted to be remembered, he would have said simply: "a friend, always." And that is exactly what he was. He was a friend to the lifelong companions of his childhood, to the new connections he made in Denver, to coworkers, neighbors, fellow travelers, and anyone lucky enough to cross his path. His friendships were not casual; they were intentional, loyal, and full of heart.

John loved deeply and was deeply loved in return. He is survived by his devoted mother, Teresa Donahue Thornton, and stepfather, Kevin Thornton; his sister, Nikki (Andrew) Hayes; his brother, Jimmy (Samantha) Hayes; his stepbrother, Travis (Jennifer) Thornton; and his brother-in-law, Allan Mitchell. He was a proud and loving uncle to Tucker Mitchell and Thanasis Hayes, who brought light and laughter into his life. He is also survived by his aunt Mary Beth (Doug) Armstrong; his uncle Jim Donahue; cousins Alyssa, Colleen, Noah (Katie), and Abby Armstrong; Jake and Geoff Donahue, Rees e, Ryan and Ruby; as well as many extended family members and close friends who will forever cherish his memory.

John was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Marie and Pete Donahue, whose love and guidance helped shape the compassionate man he became.

As a talented artist, John expressed himself creatively and authentically. His art reflected the vibrancy of his spirit - thoughtful, expressive, and uniquely his own. Whether through his creativity, his laughter, or his steady presence, he left a lasting imprint on the lives around him.

John's legacy is one of kindness, loyalty, and connection. He believed in showing up for people. He believed in shared experiences. He believed in living fully. His absence leaves an immeasurable void, but his example - of how to love, how to explore, how to be a true friend remains.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in John's memory to the American Diabetes Association, or that memorial trees be purchased to honor his deep love of nature and the outdoors.

He will be remembered always for his adventurous heart, his creative soul, and most of all, for being what he always set out to be: a friend, always.