Brothers Joslyn Chavarria Jr. (front) and Derrick Chavarria (center) carry the casket of young cyclist Tayeon Daveon Chee Villanueva at the Lord Ridge Cemetery in Belize City following funeral services at St. Martin de Porres Roman Catholic Church on Saturday, January 10, 2026. Photo Credit: Cycling Federation of Belize
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Belizean cycling community gathered in deep sorrow and solidarity on Saturday as 15‑year‑old cyclist Tayeon Daveon Chee Villanueva, born on August 1, 2010, was honoured with a funeral Mass at St. Martin de Porres Church in Belize City before being laid to rest at Lord Ridge Cemetery. His passing on December 26, 2025, has left a profound impact on riders, coaches, and supporters across the country, especially those in the youth and junior divisions who admired his discipline, humility, and growing talent.
A difficult journey that began in October
Tayeon’s family learned in October that he had lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system. The diagnosis marked the beginning of a brief but intense medical battle, and his condition worsened very quickly.
On December 12, the Cycling Federation of Belize (CFB) helped publicize a fundraiser to assist with medical expenses for a lymphedema biopsy and related care, calling on the community to support a young, promising, and determined cyclist. The response reflected how deeply Tayeon was valued within the sport.
Despite the efforts of his family and medical team, Tayeon passed away on December 26.
Tayeon Daveon Chee Villanueva
In preparation for Saturday’s funeral, the CFB encouraged cyclists to attend in their jerseys with black pants and to bring their bicycles to accompany the procession. The cycling community responded wholeheartedly. Riders formed a solemn escort as the hearse departed the church, creating a moving tribute that reflected both respect and unity.
At the cemetery, cyclists carried out a powerful farewell gesture. They lined both sides of the entrance and lifted the front wheels of their bicycles as the hearse approached—a symbolic salute honouring a young man whose passion for cycling inspired many.
After the service, the CFB offered a final message of remembrance:
“Today the Cycling Brotherhood came out to say goodbye to Tayeon. A humble, respectful, and determined young cyclist who is now Riding in Glory.”
When he passed on December 26, the CFB had said:
“We will miss you on the road. May you ride in peace and rise in glory.”
Cyclists line both sides of the entrance to Lord Ridge Cemetery in Beliz where Tayeon Daveon Chee Villanueva was laid to rest on Saturday, January 10, 2026. Photo Credit: Cycling Federation of Belize
A promising career that inspired many
Despite his young age, Tayeon had already built an impressive competitive record.
In April 2025, he finished second in the Men’s Youth Category of the 24th Annual BEL Belize Junior Cross Country Cycling Classic, completing the 72‑mile route from San Jose Succotz to Belize City among the top young riders in the country.
Men’s Youth Top Finishers – 2025 BEL Junior Cross Country
1st – Ahmaad Cherrington
2nd – Tayeon Chee
3rd – Yohan Choto- 4th – Kyle McKoy
In June 2024, he had placed fourth in the 24th Youth National Individual Time Trial Championship on the John Smith Road, clocking 13:15 over the five‑mile course. His steady improvement, discipline, and quiet determination made him a promising young cyclist.
Tayeon rode for the Chavarria Cycling Team, and the entire Chavarria family—Joslyn Sr., Joslyn Jr., Derrick, Patricia, and Paulita Chavarria—attended the funeral to honour the young rider who had become part of their cycling family.
Cyclists, including Karina Baki (in grey, center), stand in front of St. Martin de Porres Roman Catholic Church on Saturday, January 10, 2026, after the funeral Mass honouring the life of 15‑year‑old Tayeon Daveon Chee Villanueva, who passed away on December 26, 2025. Photo Credit: Cycling Federation of Belize
A legacy of courage and determination
At the cemetery, Joslyn Chavarria Jr. and Derrick Chavarria helped carry Tayeon’s casket at Lord Ridge Cemetery, walking with solemn purpose as fellow cyclists formed the final honour guard. Their father, Joslyn Chavarria Sr., stood at the forefront, ensuring that all floral arrangements, wreaths, and Tayeon’s bike wheel were carefully and respectfully placed in the grave—a final act of love from the team that had embraced him as one of their own.
Riders who trained with him—among them his closest friends Ahmaad Cherrington, Keith Enwright Jr., Devyn Major, Andrew Williams, and Kyan Tench—stood alongside many others from the youth and junior ranks, including Jaylen Briceño and Karina Baki. There was also a strong turnout of riders of all categories, all coming together to pay their respects. Cyclists who competed against him or simply admired his work ethic gathered shoulder to shoulder, honouring a life that ended far too soon but left a lasting mark on the sport.
The service was held under the theme:
“Celebrating the Amazing Life of Our Dearly Beloved Tayeon Daveon Chee Villanueva, 2010–2025.”
As the wheels lifted skyward in salute, the message was unmistakable:
Tayeon may be gone, but his spirit continues to ride with those who knew him.
The post Cycling community honours young rider Tayeon Daveon Chee Villanueva with emotional farewell appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Brothers Joslyn Chavarria Jr. (front) and Derrick Chavarria (center) carry the casket of young cyclist Tayeon Daveon Chee Villanueva at the Lord Ridge Cemetery in Belize City following funeral services at St. Martin de Porres Roman Catholic Church on Saturday, January 10, 2026. Photo Credit: Cycling Federation of Belize By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Belizean
The post Cycling community honours young rider Tayeon Daveon Chee Villanueva with emotional farewell appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
