June 23, 2005 — April 7, 2025
Tucker Justin Black
With deep sorrow and broken hearts, we announce the passing of Tucker Justin Black, beloved son, grandson, great-grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend. Tucker passed away in the early morning hours of April 7, 2025, in Shoreline, Washington, following a single-vehicle accident. He was just 19 years old.
Born on June 23, 2005, in Seattle, Washington, Tucker brought joy from the very beginning. He was kind, intelligent, and warm — the kind of person who gave you his full attention in conversation and made you feel seen. His sense of humor was a source of delight to his friends and family, often telling funny stories from work or school. He loved adventure and being part of the action, ready to try new things, whether it was a challenging double diamond run or a new role on the ballet stage. Those who knew him will remember his generous heart, his open spirit, and the way he always made others feel seen and valued.
Tucker had many passions, and one of the most formative was his longtime commitment to ballet. For nine years, beginning with his recruitment through Pacific Northwest Ballet’s DanceChance program, he dedicated countless afternoons and weekends to his training. Ballet was not just an activity — it became a part of who he was. His dedication and talent gave him the opportunity to explore and experience other cities, while studying at other ballet companies during summer intensives. He enjoyed the camaraderie and challenge of performing on stage many times in PNB’s productions of The Nutcracker, Beauty and the Beast and Swan Lake. Dance gave Tucker a powerful way to express himself and more importantly a community of artists he continued to enjoy even after he chose another path.
Tucker attended Seattle Public School’s Lowell Elementary School, Washington and Meany Middle Schools, and graduated from Franklin High School in 2023. He was currently attending South Seattle College where he was on track to complete an Associate Degree in Automotive Technology this year. His love for all things related to cars was clear. He spent countless hours studying the inner workings of automotive systems for his own pleasure and would talk in detail with like-minded friends for hours. He enjoyed spending Sunday mornings with friends at the weekly Lake Washington Cars & Coffee event at Madrona Beach, one of the only things that would get him out of bed early on a weekend. He followed F1 and IndyCar racing — making annual visits to Portland International Raceway for the IndyCar Grand Prix of Portland with his dad.
Tucker had an emerging curiosity about the world around him. He cared deeply about equality and fairness. He was often involved in conversations about social justice. He was so excited when he was able to vote for the first time. His friends also knew him to be an ally for anyone that expressed themselves in a different way. It was in his nature to be inclusive.
He was passionate about being in nature; loved skiing, hiking, and camping with family and friends in the nearby Cascade Mountains; enjoyed visiting national parks; took epic bike rides all over the greater Seattle area. He enjoyed his city and took long walks in the neighborhood alone or with his mom, stopping to enjoy the incredible beauty just outside his door. He loved taking in the vistas from local parks, gardens and overlooks, memorializing sunsets from Baker Ridge, and cityscapes from Alki Beach Park and many other favorite spots in his many artistic photos.
Tucker also had a lifelong love of animals. He got a kick out of mimicking crows, tried to get deer to eat from his hand. When he was four, he followed a mountain goat in Glacier National Park, like he was just following a friend up a trail. He adored other people’s family pets, and they easily returned his affection. His longtime companion, a black cat named Hank, adopted when Tucker was 3, misses him dearly. Wherever he ended up in life, Tucker was going to have a furry companion, adopting a Maine Coon one day was on his wishlist.
Finally, Tucker loved getting to know new people and he cherished the company of his friends. These relationships meant the world to him and included close friendships from early childhood and those recently minted. He nurtured these bonds with loyalty, authenticity, generosity, and lots and lots of music. He listened without judgment and showed up when it mattered most. He had a remarkable ability to bring people together and create a sense of belonging. Whether it was through a spontaneous adventure, a group workout at the gym, a Spotify playlist, a quiet conversation, or a shared joke, Tucker had a way of making people feel special. His warmth and sincerity left an impression on anyone lucky enough to know him. His friends — many of whom were like family — were an essential part of his life, sustaining him through his most challenging times and his many rewarding successes.
Tucker’s life, though far too short, was filled with purpose, love, and connection. Let his memory continue to inspire kindness and compassion in the world. When you hear a song he loved, see a view (or a car) he would have appreciated, or hug a mutual friend, remember that he loved you, that he enjoyed your company and that he wanted the best for you. Live with his memory seared into your heart and let it inspire you to live your fullest life and in that way, he will grow along side you never to be forgotten.
He is survived by his loving parents, Brian Justin Black and Amedee Rebecca Weld Black, who cherished him beyond measure. Tucker had a large and loving extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and a great-grandmother, all of whom will miss him immensely. Tucker now joins his older brother, Sage William Black, in eternal peace.
In the coming months, Tucker’s family will announce a service to celebrate Tucker’s life. Until then, we would like to encourage those wishing to honor his memory to do so by caring for animals and the earth, lending a hand to someone in need, or simply being a friend to someone who could use one. Those wishing to honor his memory in a tangible way, can make a donation in Tucker’s name to an organization that will be announced by the family soon.
The post first appeared on Barton Family Funeral Service.