Folsom boy loses mom; family asking for help

A young Folsom boy is coping with an unimaginable loss: His mother, who was just 37 years old, passed away unexpectedly in her sleep recently. Malakai is 13 years old and a lifelong Folsom resident and student; his father also passed away years ago so now he finds himself facing life without either parent. Malakai attends Folsom Middle school and is active with Junior Vista Eagles football and local AAU basketball. His family describes him as a great student and "great kid," especially considering he grew up without a father. Now, he is also moving forward without his mother, Erica. Malakai's aunt, Stef Smith, told The Folsom Telegraph that Erica passed away in her sleep due to complications of asthma and sleep apnea that was made worse by a respiratory illness. Smith said Erica had just been at work the day before, so this sudden death is shocking. Malakai's family is asking the community for help toward Malakai's future. Smith has set up a GoFundMe account as the family works through the grief. The family says because the passing of Malakai's mother Erica was completely unexpected and she was so young, there are no financial arrangements in place. "Our mom and grandmother will be stepping in as his guardians, and our entire family is committed to surrounding him with love, stability and support," said Smith. "We are raising funds to help provide for Malakai's immediate needs, ongoing living expenses, counseling and grief support, school and sport related costs, and long-term stability as he grows." The family assures those who want to donate that all money raised will go directly toward supporting Malakai's future and "ensuring he has the care and opportunities he deserves." Malakai's family members have been Folsom residents for 30 years; his cousins also attend local schools such as Oak Chan, Folsom Middle School and Vista del Lago High School. Those who want to donate can find his GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-malakai-after-the-unexpected-loss-of-his-mom?attribution_id=sl:ee3d9347-265f-448f-9a76-82a9b3951dcd&lang=en_US&ts=1772829305&utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_dash&utm_content=amp17_tc-amp20_control&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link