McGaugh Elementary honors classmate Jaxon Curiel

7-year-old is remembered with a sea lion statue 

Jaxon Curiel’s dad Greg, brother Cooper, and mom Melissa pose with the sea lion statue in Jaxon’s honor. On the far left of the family is a photo of Jaxon jumping like a ninja off the statue.

By Riley Smith

After a courageous 17-month battle with brain cancer, the incredible Jaxon Curiel returned home to Heaven on September 28, 2023 at age 7. 

When he was 5 years old he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Despite this obstacle, he continued to live his life to the fullest. 

Jaxon brought love and light into everyone’s lives, creating more goodwill than most people have done in their lifetime. Jaxon always had a smile on his face and continues to inspire others to always spread positivity. 

Jaxon Curiel jumps off the sea lion statue in the beach playground near the Seal Beach Pier.

On Saturday, June 8, McGaugh Elementary honored him with a sea lion statue on the playground. 

Friends and family gathered on the playground to celebrate his life and remarkable journey. Jaxon loved to jump like a ninja off of the sea lion statue at the playground on the beach. 

Now, other McGaugh sea lions can do the same on the playground and ninja-jump just like the brave ninja loved to. The Forever Sea Lion left a powerful legacy to be brave and never give up.