The San Antonio, Texas community is mourning the untimely death of beloved native and youth baseball star, Juan Antonio Flores IV.
Juan Antonio Flores IV passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026, at an untimely age of 6, leaving his family and loved ones devastated.
According to reports, Juan Antonio choked on a grape that could not be dislodged for more than 15 minutes. He later lost consciousness and, tragically, took his final breath.
Born as the eldest of two sons to parents, Juan ‘Tony’ Antonio Flores, a former Texas Air National Guard, and Daniella Renee Flores, Juan Antonio Flores IV was a cherished member of the San Antonio, Texas sports community and touched the lives of many with his kind and cheerful nature.
Juan was a proud member of the National Youth Sports Ninja Turtles baseball team and won several titles with his remarkable sports journey.
Additionally, Juan Antonio also excelled in T-ball and soccer.
NYS took to its social media to express its sorrow and recall the memories of its beloved baseball star.
The post reads:
“Our NYS San Antonio family is heartbroken over the sudden passing of Juan Antonio Flores IV, one of our kids from the Ninja Turtles baseball team. Juan Antonio brought so much joy to the field—his smile, his spirit, and the way he showed up for his teammates made an impact on everyone around him.To his family: please know we are praying for you and surrounding you with love. You are not alone—your NYS family is with you.We’re sharing his picture along side his team because this is how we want to remember him—loved, happy, and doing what he enjoyed most.Forever a Ninja Turtle, forever part of the NYS family. ⚾🖤”
National Youth Sports- San Antonio, Texas
Beyond his athletic journey, Juan Antonio was a proud student at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School, where he was loved by all.
St. Mary Magdalen School recalled Juan as a shining example of all that students aspire to be at SMMS.
SMMS wrote:
“His smile and kind nature made every room he stepped into better. While fiercely intelligent, he carried himself with humility and a servant’s heart. He looked out for and cared for all his classmates, and his teachers. He wore his SMMS uniform with pride and joy, always looking clean, sharp and ready for the day. More than anything, he had a pure, big heart that was on fire with love for Jesus.”
The untimely death of Juan Antonio Flores IV has left a profound void in the lives of his family, friends, and loved ones.
In just six years, he impacted the San Antonio community, from newscasters and sanitation workers to HEB staff, home, school, and family, who all loved him immensely.
Many of his loved ones are sharing Juan’s memories on social media and extending their heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.
Ryan Wolf, an Emmy award-winning news anchor, recalled that Juan was a kid who reminded everyone that kindness still exists.
He also remembers Juan as a ‘bright, curious kid who loved trash trucks, the one who waited every Friday just to wave, smile, and give high-fives.’
His beautiful bond with a local sanitation worker was featured on TV two years back by Ryan Wolf.
Similarly, one of his loved ones wrote:
“Unfortunately, our little buddy has gone to rest with the Lord. He fought hard, but could not fight the brain trauma he suffered. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Flores family, teachers and all his classmates. RIP Juan Antonio, your smile will be missed 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻. Hold your loved ones tight and tell them you love them, you just never know”
Gibby Vela-Cuellar
In addition to his parents, Daniella and Juan ‘Tony’ Flores, Juan Antonio Flores IV leaves behind his younger brother Mark Adam, his numerous uncles, aunts, and the entire family.
While Tony and Daniella haven’t released any statement regarding the untimely passing of their son, they often share Juan’s picture on social media, expressing their love and pride.
Furthermore, the San Antonio community has also created a GoFundMe to ease the financial burden of Juan’s family as they navigate the loss and organize the funeral and memorial service to honor Juan Antonio Flores IV.
Juan’s contagious smile and his athletic journey will always be remembered. His family will soon provide details about his funeral and memorial service.
