The Tonawanda High School community is mourning the tragic death of student-athlete Charles Tanner Jr.
According to Charles’s official Facebook handle, he was originally from Tonawanda but lived with his family in Buffalo, New York.
He attended Kenmore East Senior High School in February 2019 and later went to Tonawanda Senior High School in December 2021, where he
Since February 23, 2025, Charles has served at DoorDash, an internet company in San Francisco, CA, United States.
Student-Athlete Charles Tanner Jr. Passed Away At The Age Of 22
Tonawanda High School’s student-athlete Charles Tanner Jr. took his last breath on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 22.
As per the source, he had epilepsy his entire life. On Thursday, he suffered a seizure and fell while attempting to take a shower.
Vicky Marilyn-Marie Cosby took to her official Facebook handle and mourned the loss of Charles by stating,
Rest Easy Big Cuzo ❤️ You Will Be Missed So Much, Say Hi To Grandpa For Me, I Just Know You Guys Will Be Talking About Antique Cars Together ❤️
Vicky Marilyn-Marie Cosby
National Technical School graduate Dawn Wells also mourned the tragic death of Charles through his social media handle. He wrote,
RIP Charles Tanner Jr. I just can’t wrap my head around this.
Dawn Wells
Charles’s cousin, Michael Henigan, also mourned the loss and remembered the time spent with Tanner. He wrote,
I’m honestly shook and saddened by the tragic death of my beloved Cousin, Charles Tanner Jr….We grew up together, from the time we were both in Diapers to when we became Full Grown Adults. Charlie was more than just my Cousin, he is also someone that I can call a Brother, Pal, Buddy, and Best Friend. That piece of me had been taken too suddenly, and I’m feeling all sorts of emotions because of how close we were to each other Fly High Charlie!!! You Will Be Missed but Forever Remembered in My Heart….
Michael Henigan
Other close ones and relatives have also poured their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Charles’s family to stay strong in this heartbreaking moment.
As per his family, visitation and funeral services will be held on Monday, April 28, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at John C. Roth Funeral Home in Tonawanda, NY, 14150.
Charles will always be remembered for his unforgettable contributions as a student and athlete at Tonawanda High School. Rest in Heaven, Charles Tanner Jr.
Charles Tanner Jr. Is Survived By His Parents And Seven Siblings
Born on April 20, 2003, Charles Tanner Jr. was raised by his father, Charles Tanner Sr., and his mother, Leslie Czarniak. He also had a stepmother named Ashley Kinney.
Charles’s father took to his official Facebook handle to announce the tragic death of his son and announced the funeral service date. He wrote,
So as some of you may have heard my son Charles Tanner Jr. Passed away last night we will be having services for him at John c Roth funeral in Tonawanda monday from 2-4 and 6-8 everyone is welcome to come pay their respects
Charlie Tanner
His mother, Leslie, also took to her Facebook handle to announce the news. She wrote,
I write this post with great great sadness… last night we lost my son Charlie in a very sudden & tragic accident. As you all know he suffered from epilepsy & unfortunately had a seizure last night in the shower, fell & the outcome was fatal. We are making arrangements now & I will post any & all details when I have them to give. Please respect our family at this time. Charlie, my boy… I will love you forever kid. I hope your at peace & cam finally rest a little easier. We all love you so much & will never understand why this had to happen. Fly high my son you will be missed deeply. 🩷❤️
Leslie Czarniak
Leslie is from Freedom, New York, but lives in Tonawanda. She studied mental health (Addiction and Chemical Dependency Therapist), CASAC, at SUNY Erie Community College.
She has been in a relationship with Will Hout, a resident of Buffalo, New York, since August 4, 2024.
In addition, Charles is survived by his four brothers, Justin, Dwane, Duke Napierala, and Tyler Czarniak, and three sisters, Mackenzie Parkinson, Aaramya Czarniak, and Sydnee Wilson.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Charles Tanner Jr.’s stepmother, Ashley Kinney, studied at Kenmore West Senior High School.
- He is also survived by his aunt, Mary Tanner, and uncles, Brian Frears and Henry Czarniak Jr.
- Charles shared a close bond with his maternal grandfather, Henry Czarniak Sr.
