Community rallies around Tsosie family following loss of Fred Tsosie

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Courtesy photo
Friends, neighbors and local organizations have come together to support the Tsosie family following Fred’s passing on Aug. 24.

The Lincoln County community is rallying around the Tsosie family following the death of Fred Tsosie on Aug. 24.

Fred had been receiving medical care in St. George before being transferred to Salt Lake City for specialized heart care. As his condition became more serious, friends and community members began organizing support to help his wife, Tonia, and their family with the expenses of traveling and staying several hours from home.

On Aug. 24, Tonia shared that Fred had experienced additional complications requiring surgery. His condition continued to decline, and the family made the difficult decision to allow him to rest.

“Fred passed at 11:36 this morning, August 24, 2026,” Tonia wrote. “We are so grateful for all of the financial help, the prayers, the talks, the texts, the calls, everything.”

She added that although there are still difficult days ahead, the family intends to face them together.

“We will come together as a family and be strong,” she wrote. “Fred would want that, as he was a strong man himself.”

Support efforts that began during Fred’s hospitalization are continuing for Tonia and the family.

The Pahranagat Valley High School volleyball program is currently holding a pig raffle benefiting the Tsosie family. The pig was donated by Hiko Heritage Farm, while the volleyball program will donate the cutting and wrapping, allowing all proceeds from the raffle to go to the family.

Tickets are $2 each, 10 for $20 or 50 for $100. The drawing is scheduled for Sept. 25 during halftime of the football game. Those interested in purchasing tickets with cash can contact 775-271-1498.

Direct donations to assist the family with expenses can also be made through Venmo at @Tonia-Tsosie.

A celebration of Fred’s life will be held Saturday, Sept. 5, at 1 p.m. in the multipurpose room at Pahranagat Valley High School, 158 S. Main St. in Alamo.

The family is also gathering photographs of Fred for a slideshow to be shared during the celebration of life. Photos can be sent to Jersey at 775-385-1470.

What began as an effort to help a local family stay close to Fred during a medical crisis has now become an opportunity for the community to surround the Tsosie family as they grieve his loss and celebrate his life.