Farmington HS Student And Lacrosse Player, Carmelo Tibus, 16, Dies In Car Accident, Leaving Parents Behind

On June 17, 2025, North Farmington mourned 16-year-old Carmelo Quiton, a kind and creative sophomore, who tragically lost his life in a car accident.

Carmelo Quiton Tibus was born on April 2, 2009, to parents Richard and Rebecca Tibus in Novi, Michigan.

Carmelo grew up alongside his sisters, Isabela and Eleanor, filling their home with warmth and laughter.

His quiet presence and generous spirit touched countless lives, earning him the title of “a friend to everyone.”

Carmelo was more than just a talented lacrosse player for the Farmington United Boys Lacrosse team; he was a teammate who lifted others with his dedication and spirit.

Wearing jersey number 2, he darted across the field with an athleticism that turned heads, but it was his sportsmanship that won hearts.

Off the field, Carmelo’s artistry shone just as brightly. Whether sketching in a notebook or sharing a thoughtful gesture, he had a gift for creating beauty in small, meaningful ways.

His emotional depth, rare for someone so young, made him a confidant and comforter to friends and family alike.

Friends recall simple moments that defined Carmelo: the way he’d flash a shy smile to cheer someone up, or how he’d stay late after practice to help a struggling teammate.

His laughter, often sparked by a witty joke or a shared memory, was spreading, filling rooms with joy.

Carmelo’s wisdom and empathy made him seem older than his years, a soul who understood life’s highs and lows with grace.

Raised in Novi, Carmelo Was The Heart Of His Family

His parents, Richard and Rebecca, cherished his thoughtfulness, as evidenced by his surprise gifts to his mom, such as a cup of tea after a long day, or his debates with his dad over dinner.

His sisters, Isabela and Eleanor, were his biggest fans, sharing inside jokes and late-night talks.

Carmelo also welcomed his stepsiblings, seamlessly integrating them into his tight-knit circle.

The family’s home was a place of love, where Carmelo’s quiet acts of kindness—like leaving encouraging notes for his sisters—became cherished memories.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Stanley Surowiec, whose memory Carmelo honored with his gentle strength.

Those who knew him say he carried his family’s values of compassion and resilience in everything he did.

Carmelo Quiton’s Death Saddened North Farmington High School And The Community

Classmates, teachers, and coaches gathered to share stories of his impact: the time he helped a shy freshman feel welcome, or how he’d light up the locker room with a goofy impression.

To honor his memory, Farmington United Boys Lacrosse has retired Carmelo’s jersey number 2, a symbol of his enduring presence.

The team also launched a GoFundMe campaign with a $20,000 goal to support the lacrosse program and initiatives reflecting Carmelo’s spirit of dedication, camaraderie, and joy.

Donations will fund scholarships, equipment, and community events that keep his legacy alive.

Carmelo’s family invites the community to join them in celebrating his life.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home in downtown Farmington.

The gathering will continue at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 23615 Power Rd., Farmington, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., with Prayers and Remembrances at 7:00 p.m.

These moments will offer a chance to share stories, tears, and laughter, in honor of a young man who lived with purpose and heart.

Carmelo is survived by his parents, Richard and Rebecca Tibus, his sisters, Isabela and Eleanor, his stepsiblings, and many loved ones.

His memory will live on in the countless lives he touched, a reminder to cherish each moment and to always choose kindness.

Rest in peace, CARMELO