This is the story of Quintin Prater and the story of how not many people got to hear or experience him as a person. If you were lucky enough to know him, you would know that he was kind, funny, respectful, flamboyant, and caring, and that without hesitation, would make you laugh. If he were a spider, he would be a Caerostris Darwini spider because they weave the strongest and largest webs, and they don’t even know that they do. He touched so many people with his opinions, beliefs, and ideals that made making friends came naturally to Quintin. He didn’t know how amazing he was to others around him. His friends and family will miss him forever and always. As Mason Sanders said, “He brought us all together because he was made of joy. He was here for everyone.”

Mason referred to Quantarious, as selfless. He said that his favorite memory of Quintin was whenever they saw each other in the halls, they would yell back and forth to each other, “Why are you skipping?” until one of them was unable to see the other.

Having that common encounter is something that Mason said he will miss. At the end of the interview, Mason said, “He is gone. We can still share his stories and quotes.”

Zigen Kesterson said he often loved going to hang out with Quintin when they jousted on those electric scooters, and they wore Star Wars helmets. He got a bit serious, and said they planned to move into an apartment together once they were out of high school. It’s not something that anyone really knew about, and they had it all planned out for January 1, 2027 to be roommates. Zigen says to everyone, take more pictures with your friends or family, because you never know when those photos won’t be possible.

At the candle lighting, many people who didn’t know Quintin showed up; they mourned him and helped hold up the people who did know him. Through this tragedy, Quintin was still bringing people together.

Even if he didn’t know we all treasured him more than words can say, he taught us that showing up for one another shouldn’t come from tragedy, but love. And that friendships don’t have condi-
tions. Quintin was there for anyone who needed someone, and for that, many people will hold and cherish the memories that they got to make with him. Michal Marker and Mason said, “We can’t eat ourselves up with the what ifs and what could we have done. We just have to love his memories and share them with our future kids and the future friends we meet along the way.”

So with that, Long Live Quintin Prater.
Rest in paradise, friend.

August 2009-May 2026