When I first heard about Rachel Canaday, it really struck me. She attended Broomfield High School and was known as a varsity softball player, a varsity cheerleader, and a bright student on the honor roll. She graduated in 2011, and it seemed like she approached everything with passion. I tried to balance sports and studies during my time in school, but it wasn’t easy. Reading about her reminded me of the challenges of maintaining that balance.
Rachel passed away in her early thirties in the last week of November 2025. Her husband, Evan, and her loved ones are experiencing tremendous pain. The details of her loss have not been shared publicly, but people remember the love she gave and the impact she had on her friends and family. Sometimes, you come across someone who resonates with you even if you’ve never met them. She had that effect on me while I read about her.
After high school, she continued her education at San Diego State University, where she studied Hotel Management from 2011 to 2016. She later worked in hospitality and marketing. She was a Marketing Manager at Lotus Marketing. Before that, she served as a Marketing Coordinator for Marriott International and as a Sales Coordinator at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. It seems she had a firm grasp on her work. I remember a short internship where I struggled with basic office tasks, so learning about her work life made me admire her even more.
Rachel was born in Broomfield, Colorado, and later resided in Denver. She married Evan Haft in 2024. They got engaged on August 25, 2022, which feels special because it shows how connected they were even before the wedding. They first met at Sally’s during a small gathering of work friends on January 18, 2019. Just four weeks later, they began traveling together. I know how difficult it can be to trust someone quickly, but sometimes it just happens. I had a friend I clicked with instantly, and it felt natural. Maybe their bond was similar.
Evan shared some heartfelt words about Rachel. He said she was always by his side. They traveled everywhere, shared laughter and tears, and made many plans for the future. Now he feels lost without her. His words brought tears to my eyes because you could sense his deep love for her. He talked about their bucket list, their dreams, and how he promised always to love and protect her. It made me reflect on how short life can be and how vital it is to cherish the people we have right now.
He mentioned a tattoo on the back of her neck that read “Forever Young.” That phrase stuck with me. Perhaps it resonates because it captures how people described her—full of life and love.
Her passing left a profound sadness for everyone who knew her. Even someone like me, who never met her, felt something while reading her story. It’s never easy to witness a young life end like this. My thoughts are with her husband, her family, and everyone who cared for her.
Rest in peace, Rachel. You touched more hearts than you probably ever realized. You may also be interested in: Jesup Volleyball Player Addison Staebell Remembers Her Mother Sarah Staebell After Her Passing From Colon Cancer
