Joseph Oatsvall, 17, a student of the Tennessee School for the Deaf (TSD), has sadly died, according to an obituary, his death sending his family, friends and community into mourning as his qualities are extolled by all who knew him.
Oatsvall reportedly drowned in a tragic occurrence that has robbed the world of a young man many have described as a breath of fresh air.
Joseph following his death has been praised for his lovely nature, his ever-present smile, and for making a difference in the lives of all he interacted with.
Joseph Oatsvall Obituary, Nashville Teen, Student at Tennessee School for the Deaf (TSD) Sadly Dies
A Nashville teenager, Joseph Wayne Oatsvall, has tragically died, according to his family and friends and an obituary reporting the sad news.
Oatsvall was a student with the Tennessee School for the Deaf, about to enter his senior year.
According to MaxPreps, the home of student athletic statistics, Oatsvall played varsity basketball and football at TSD.
His coach, in a tribute to him, described Oatsvall as one of the fastest football players he’d ever seen.
Joseph sadly drowned following an accident on Sunday, June 30th, 2024.
According to a post from his father, Scott Oatsvall, the tragic news has completely devastated their family.
“Our family is devastated by the loss of our youngest son Joseph. Please pray for my wife and our children,” he said.
He added that despite the pain of the moment they are comforted in knowing there is a better place he’s gone to where they would one day all reunite.
A lengthier and more emotional tribute came from Joseph’s sister Emily who was truly crushed by his passing.
“The day a piece of my entire existence went to heaven. To know him for even 1 moment was to know him his entire life. His smile. His laugh. His existence impacted everyone, everywhere. No matter what kind of day I was having, Joseph was always the one who I could count on,” Emily wrote.
She praised Joseph for living life to the fullest despite his young age, describing him as her protector, brother and best friend.
“There are not enough words that can express the pain but also the joy I feel. He’s in heaven dancing, talking, laughing, hearing everything that Jesus has to say,” she continued, then requested for everyone to keep the Oatsvall family in their prayers.
Jeremiah Oatsvall, another of Joseph’s siblings, also honored him with a most touching tribute. He echoed what his sister touched one, praising Joseph for being simply a fun person to be around. He said his brother could brighten anywhere he went and was simply a bubble of joy.
Joseph’s parents, Scott and Gwen, his siblings Emily and Jeremiah, and the entire family are organizing a ‘celebration of life‘ for the deceased teen.
The celebration has been slated for Brentwood Baptist Church in Brentwood, TN, where Joseph had been serving as a staff member for the Brentwood Baptist Church Deaf Camp.
Joseph’s tragic death has deeply impacted his community, with many remembering him for being that fun guy who you could always count on to cheer you up in any situation.
Oatsvall may be gone but he’s certainly not forgotten, with his legacy of generosity and constant positivity leaving an indelible mark on the people who he knew and loved.
