On December 21st, 2025, the Grandview community mourned the loss of senior Gregory Buels, a 16-year-old whose life ended far too soon.

Gregory transferred to Grandview from Vista Peak High School just over a year ago. In that short time, he built friendships, earned the trust of teachers, and completed all of his credits early – placing him on track to graduate early.

“He got all his credits,” Gregory’s mother, Monique Buels, said. “Grandview told me they’re going to let him graduate this year, which is amazing.”

For Gregory’s family, that recognition represents one of many moments of pride they carry forward as they remember him. 

Before coming to Grandview, Gregory played varsity basketball at Vista Peak, taking on the role of varsity center. On the court, he was determined and energetic. Off the court, he carried an even bigger heart.

“Basketball was his dream,” Buels said. “He wanted to be in the NBA one day.”

But Gregory’s passions extended far beyond sports. He was a young man of faith, a Christian who expressed his beliefs through art. His notebooks were filled with sketches – anime characters, portraits, and especially religious imagery.

“He liked anime,” Buels said. “He also drew a lot of religious stuff.”

Gregory’s family described him as a deeply loving presence in their lives. At home, he was the youngest child, with one older brother, and shared a close bond with his dog, Capone, a French bulldog he adored.

He was spontaneous and curious – always eager to try something new. Soccer, football, karate, music – if there was something to explore, Gregory wanted to experience it.

Creatively, he played guitar and made beats, and he dreamed of combining his artistic talent with a career in automotive work. He planned to study mechanics while pursuing tattoo artistry on the side.

“Next year, he was going to do half classes and half mechanical automotive,” Buels said. “And on the side, he wanted to do tattoos because he was a good drawer.”

Friends described Gregory as loyal, dependable, and caring – the kind of person who checked in on others and led with kindness. Outside of school, he worked, spent time with his girlfriend, and stayed close to his family. He was building the foundation of a life that was only just beginning to take shape.

One memory that continues to bring his mother warmth is the day Gregory asked for permission to get a tattoo.

“One of my favorite memories is when he tried to convince me to let him get a tattoo at 16,” Buels said. “He told me, ‘Mom, it’s going to be your name because you’re the first woman that I will always love.’ He said I was going to be his first forever love.”

Eventually, she did give him his first tattoo – a moment that became a lasting memory for them both.

A memorial has been created in Gregory’s honor at 20368 E. Hamilton Pl., Aurora, CO 80013 – a place where friends, classmates, and loved ones can visit, leave flowers, and remember the young man whose compassion left an imprint on many.

In the wake of his passing, Gregory’s mother wanted the community to know who her son truly was, beyond assumptions and speculation.

“My son was not a bad kid,” Buels said. “He was not in a gang. He had a big heart, and I want people to remember him for who he truly was.”

In his final moments, Gregory was simply doing what he always did: caring for others. He had reached out to a friend to get some food together – and it ended in tragedy. 

“It was just who he was. And I would do anything to get him back if I could,” Buels said.

She explained that Gregory had been meeting a friend he trusted who had been struggling, expecting nothing more than a simple plan to get food together. Instead, in a moment no one could have foreseen, his life was taken without warning. Shortly afterward, the perpetrator ended his own life. Gregory had not initiated or provoked anything; there was no confrontation, no self-defense – only a heartbreaking and sudden loss. What should have been an ordinary moment became a tragedy that forever changed a family and a community. By sharing his story, his family hopes other families will trust their instincts, prioritize safety, and speak openly about youth mental health.

“A few things I want to say as a parent are go with your gut feeling. Even if your kids get mad, make them come home,” Buels said. ”And mental health needs to be taken more seriously.”

Gregory had dreams – NBA aspirations, graduation plans, art, music projects, a career, a family – a future filled with promise. That future was taken too soon. But the love he gave, the faith he carried, and the kindness he showed remain alive in those who knew him.

“He had a bright future,” Buels said. “He definitely did.”

Gregory Buels is survived by his mother, his older brother, extended family, friends, and a community that will not forget him. As the Grandview community remembers Gregory Buels, students, staff, and families extend their deepest condolences to his loved ones. Those who knew him are encouraged to carry forward the warmth, humor, and heart that defined who he was.