CJ “Crimson” Thrush, born October 16, 2001, at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on September 15, 2026, leaving behind family, friends, and an online community who will miss him dearly.

CJ was the oldest of his siblings and was raised alongside his little sister, Deidra Thrush, and his brother, Patrick Thrush, by his Aunt Debi and her children, Clare Mankin (Noah Mankin), Candi Black (Casey Black), and Catie Hater. The relationships they shared were more than aunt, nephew, and cousins—they were family in every sense of the word, growing up together like siblings and creating a lifetime of memories.

CJ was preceded in death by his great-grandmother, Devonna Myers, and his brother, Patrick Thrush.

CJ had a special place in the lives of his younger cousins, Kyra Black, Alexa Black, Devon Mankin, and Danny Mankin. He loved being part of their lives, and they will carry their memories of him with them always.

CJ was incredibly talented at sign language and communicating with his uncle Bill Myers. He was known for being someone who was always willing to help. If someone needed him, CJ was there. He was the kind of person who rarely said no when someone asked for help.

CJ cherished the friendships and relationships he formed through his online community, where he found people who shared his interests and became an important part of his world.At 14 years old, CJ discovered cheer with Devon, beginning a passion that would become a huge part of his life. He traveled to national competitions in Las Vegas, Chicago, and Florida and took great pride in being part of the cheer community. He loved to cheer, and the experiences and friendships he made along the way became some of his favorite memories.

CJ loved to travel and was always ready for an adventure. One of his favorite ways to relax was on a cruise, wrapped up in a robe and ordering room service. He enjoyed the simple luxuries. His curiosity extended into just about everything. He enjoyed learning about plants, growing herbs, experimenting with recipes, and creating foods and drinks that were sometimes wonderfully strange.

 He loved trying something new just to see what would happen.And if you offered to feed CJ, there was a very good chance he was willing to go just about anywhere or do just about anything with you.

CJ was an avid blood donor and donated plasma many times, giving his time to help others. He also loved the Renaissance Festival and enjoyed making homemade mead and wine. He had a curious mind and was always willing to learn, experiment, and experience something different.

CJ was funny, kind, smart, helpful, and unmistakably himself. He had his own way of doing things, his own interests, his own sense of humor, and his own place in the lives of the people who loved him.There will be so many things we miss—the conversations, the laughter, the adventures, the food experiments, the trips, the random things only CJ would do or say, and simply having him here with us.

CJ's life was about so much more than how it ended. He was a son, brother, nephew, cousin, friend, teammate, and someone who made an impression on the people fortunate enough to know him.We will miss him more than words can say. We will remember his kindness, his humor, his curiosity, his love of cheer and adventure, and all the little things that made CJ CJ.

A memorial visitation will be held from 11 AM to 1 PM on Saturday, September 26th at Rogers Funeral Home in new Lebanon

Rest easy, Crimson. You will always be loved, always be remembered, and forever be part of our family.