Christopher Gavin Carter, of West Point, known to everyone as Gavin, passed away on September 19, 2026, at the age of 23.
Gavin was born on March 19, 2003, to Chris and Crystal Carter. From the very beginning, Gavin faced extremely difficult medical challenges. Yet, he met those challenges with determination, personality, and spirit. The Gavin way!
He is survived by his parents, Chris and Crystal; sisters, Caroline and Camille; grandparents Gene and Carol Jessie; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, teachers, caregivers, and friends who became an important part of his life. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Alex and Gail Carter.
Gavin attended Petsworth Elementary School and graduated from Gloucester High School in 2021, where he was known and loved by teachers, classmates, and staff. He had a way of making himself known. Gavin could be incredibly vocal.
But beneath that strong personality was a remarkably sweet young man who touched more lives than his family could ever count.
Gavin loved Taylor Swift, NASCAR, Jimmie Johnson, Curious George, Wild Kratts and HGTV especially if Lara Spencer was hosting. Those who knew him will remember the enormous smile that came across his face when he was enjoying life’s great moments.
But Gavin’s greatest love may have been the ride. He loved downhill mountain biking. He loved skiing. Anything that brought speed, excitement, and a little bit of adrenaline was the Gavin way. He was “all boy.”
So many of those adventures were shared with his mother, Crystal and his loved ones. Together, they found ways to make sure Gavin experienced life, not from the sidelines but from the front row.
Chris and Crystal fought fiercely for Gavin and advocated for him throughout his life. She once said that Gavin faced his biggest obstacle on his very first day and simply decided that wasn’t going to be for him. From that day forward, Gavin continued to show the determination and spirit that would define his life.
Gavin also had a remarkable ability to affect the people around him. Teachers, caregivers, friends, and family members spoke about their love for him and their admiration for the family who stood beside him and advocated for him every step of the way.
This sentiment has been echoed by so many people who knew and loved Gavin.
He touched lives. He made people laugh. He may have tested some patience. But Gavin loved them. And they loved him right back.
While we all want just one more race with him, Gavin gets to run his first solo race. Gavin is finally free to take it as fast as he wants. No obstacles. No limitations. No one telling him to slow down.
May we all appreciate what Gavin understood about life. We must always find ways to enjoy the ride. Gavin lived a life with an extraordinary amount of grace. He learned that grace from his family, and in return, he left them and so many others a lifetime of memories. Gavin will be loved and missed for the rest of their lives. You’ve been a gift to us young man. Now go run your race. We love you.
Donations in Gavin’s memory can be made to Challenged Athletes of West Virginia, Challenged Athletes of West Virginia, 10 Snowshoe Drive, Snowshoe, WV 26209, or to any adaptive sports program of your choosing.
