‘A darling of a gem’: Family and friends mourn Kirk Young

What began as an ordinary workday ended in heartbreak for the family and friends of Kirk Young.

Those who knew Kirk describe him as cool, down-to-earth, and dependable.

A skilled mechanic by trade, he was known for his work ethic and willingness to help.

The 49-year-old husband and father of three was killed on Thursday when a forklift collapsed on him at Ports International in the area of the Airport Industrial Park. His 21-year-old son was working alongside him.

Just days earlier, he had spent Super Bowl Sunday surrounded by family, laughing, enjoying the game.

“It’s a bit unbelievable,” his sister, Jody Young, told the Tribune. “I still can’t fathom this is happening because he was perfectly fine… For this to happen is horrible.”

Friend, Tito White called him “a cool brother.”

Minique Alexandrea knew him well. She said he was “such a down-to-earth person who was always willing to help,” adding that her heart aches for his wife, who family members say is understandably distraught.

“A very focused young man… decent and loved by his family,” Imran Raheim remembered about him.

Raynet Forbes described him simply as “a darling of a gem.”

“Great guy,” said Marc Serfontein. And for Shavonne, the loss cut deeply: “Kirk, you’re one of the happiest people I know, bro. This cut deep.”

Even those who only knew him in passing say he left a lasting impression.

Glen Rigo recalled that Kirk had just purchased hydraulic parts days earlier. “No way… No man knows the day nor the hour,” he said, echoing the disbelief felt.