Dylan Hazelhurst

Dylan Jeffrey Hazelhurst , 30, of Grand Junction, Colorado

With deep sorrow, we announce that Dylan Hazelhurst our beloved son, brother, uncle, family member and friend passed on February 4, 2021 from a motor vehicle accident involving a person driving the wrong way on the highway outside of Las Vegas, Nevada.

We all lost a shining light in our lives.  He will be forever  loved here on earth as well as in heaven.

Dylan was born July 5, 1990 in Glenwood Springs, Colorado to Jeffrey and Debra Hazelhurst.  Dylan grew up in Grand Junction and graduated from Fruita Monument High School.

From a young age it was Dylan’s dream to open a place like Crocodile Reef, an animal rescue and petting zoo.  Never giving up and always pushing through anything in life, Dylan had reached his dream and had plans to build it bigger and better to share with everyone.  Dylan’s smiling face, warm heart and his love for animals as well as people made it a place that anyone of any age can come to learn, touch and begin to appreciate many different kind of animals.

Dylan would always try new things and lived an adventurous life.  His love for life and all the things he tried, took him across the United States and even to other countries.  From racing, to sky diving and yes, even riding a bull, he would try to experience as much as life had to offer.  His heart was clean and his goals were high.

As Dylan had many animals in his life, his dog Achilles was with him for over nine years and left with Dylan the night of the accident.  He went to work with Dylan, traveled with him and was truly a man’s best friend to Dylan.

Dylan will continue to be with us in so many memories and so many laughs he brought to us all.  Dylan would always say “ Do not stay in your sad place, it will not get you anywhere”.   We will always remember to smile for you Buddy Bear.

Dylan is survived by his parents Jeff and Debbie Hazelhurst; his Sister Julie, his brother-in-law Cory and his nephews Jayce and Kyler; his loving big brother Jason; his girl friend Christi Cox; his Grandfathers Jack Hazelhurst and Raymond Beers; Uncles,  Aunts and cousins and all his wonderful friends.

A celebration of Life is being planned and notice will be given.

Thank you to all who loved Crocodile Reef and continue to support his dream.  Thank you to Brown’s Cremation and Funeral Home and their wonderful people who brought our son home to us.

A life well lived is a precious gift,

Of strength, passion, determination and grace.

From someone who has made our world a better place.

A life filled with endless memories,

Happy and sad with smiles and tears.

Unconditional love and great times shared.

One who brought so much laughter through the years.

A life well lived is a legacy,

Of joy, pride and persistence.

A living, forever lasting memory,

Our grateful hearts will always treasure

Our Dylan!!

By Jayce Jessup