SIX NATIONS—A 30-year-old man’s heart was violently stopped on the streets of Miami, but thanks to a community of friends and strangers $105,325 was raised to bring Dylan Isaacs home to be buried on his ancestral lands of Six Nations of the Grand River Territory on January 13, 2024.
Isaacs died on January 7 after being shot in an alleged confrontation with an erratic driver after he and friends left an NFL game in Miami.
Miami Gardens Police Department stated that Isaacs and his friends were returning to their vehicle after the Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills football game when he became engaged in an altercation with the driver of a silver older-model, four-door Honda Accord, who was allegedly driving erratically and hit a pedestrian.
“During the altercation, the driver of the vehicle brandished a firearm, fired shots, and subsequently struck the victim,” police said in a release.
The suspect then fled the scene in the vehicle, which has since been identified after the issuance of a “Be on the Lookout” (BOLO) advisory.
Police said that the suspect’s vehicle was found on Monday in Palm Beach County, Florida and “seized pending further investigation.”
Investigators also said that they have spoken with a suspect, and the investigation is ongoing.
Meanwhile, community member and family friend Ashley Cooke set up a GoFundMe for $50,000, and five days later it reached $105,325.
“I only wanted to help the family bring Dylan home,” she said, stressing she was not a spokesperson for the family. “As a community member it was important to help out the family in my community.”
The family asked all news media for privacy as they observed traditional rituals, including a vigil at an aunties’ house for two days before the funeral, which was held at Onondaga Longhouse. A long procession followed him to the family homestead where he was buried.
“On behalf of Dylan’s family, we would like a moment to express our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to those who have donated, shared, and sent prayers to us during this challenging and painful time,” said the family in a joint statement. “To the Bills Mafia, the Buffalo Bills, as well as the Miami Dolphins and fans and to everyone across Turtle Island, thank you for coming together and showing up with so much love and support for us and our community.
“It has been truly inspiring to see the things we can do as human beings with empathy and compassion for one another.”
Isaacs, affectionately known as Teebz by family and friends, was an ironworker and an archaeological community monitor for Six Nations. He was a member of the Porter Snowsnake Team and a life-long committee member of the Grand River Champion of Champions Pow-wow.
Family and friends shared on social media a barrage of memories, calling him an outdoorsman and avid sports fan – and a loving mischief maker.
“Love you all (and) Nyaweh for such great memories that will forever live in our hearts,” wrote Isaac’s mother, Sue Sky Isaacs, about the outpouring online. “My son is going on to his next journey leaving his name that will never be forgotten, (he is) so loved, he is missed. My heart will forever be heavy.Love you my son.”
