Diego Lake Nieves

Diego Lake Nieves was born to Shyan Harrison and Edelmiro Nieves in Berkeley, California on Oct. 15, 2005. Diego tragically passed away on July 4, 2024. He lived a full, active and loving life.

Diego’s first years were spent in Alameda, California. When he was four years old, he moved to Carpinteria, California, with his grandparents Sheryl Lake and Jim Tarantino. He attended Aliso Elementary School, where he met many of his lifelong friends. Diego saw the Fourth of July parade in 2010 and decided to be in the next one. He was in seven parades, either entering alone or with friends.

Diego, his grandparents and their friend Liz traveled across the country over seven weeks in the summer of 2011, visiting friends and family along the way. They went to 14 National Parks and 31 states, covering 11,000 miles.

He played soccer and basketball, but Little League was his greatest passion. Diego loved the beach, camping, fishing and sailing. He was in Junior Lifeguards for three summers and was on the water polo team. During several winters, he went snowboarding with his uncle and friends.

It was in middle school that Diego changed into a serious student. Thanks to several tutors and a significant effort on his part, he excelled in his coursework. Eighth grade saw him and his classmates go to Washington D.C.

High school was interrupted by Covid-19 – an even bigger challenge to overcome. He kept his grades up and got on the Warriors’ baseball team at the same time. Diego played all four years, creating many great memories for his teammates, family and friends. He also enjoyed being a member of Future Farmers of America.

Graduating with honors and receiving a total of eleven different awards, scholarships and grants for college, Diego decided to attend Santa Barbara City College and worked hard his first year, all while working at Laughing Buddha Thrift and Rory’s Artisanal Creamery. Throughout his life, his smile and easy manner allowed him to make friends out of everyone he met.

His parents, his brother Adarian, his uncle Jay and Jay’s wife Jazmine, their new baby J. J., Diego’s girlfriend Yasmin Belaz, his grandparents and extended family are all mourning his passing and will cherish his memory. Along with his warm heart and kind spirit, Diego touched numerous people from many different generations. Diego was a special being who always used common sense and never hesitated to help his friends, family, and neighbors. He uplifted others with encouragement and had a great sense of humor.

A scholarship fund in Diego’s name has been created by the family for graduating seniors from Carpinteria High School to honor his memory. Tax deductible donations can be made directly to Carpinteria Education Foundation under Diego’s name. A GoFundMe has also been set up for the scholarship fund.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Woman’s Club of Carpinteria on Oct. 12, noon to 6 p.m.