Tonawanda HS Student-Athlete, Charles Tanner Jr., 22, Passes Away, Leaving His Parents Charles Tanner Sr. And Leslie Czarniak Behind

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,

National Technical School graduate Dawn Wells also mourned the tragic death of Charles through his social media handle. He wrote,

Charles’s cousin, Michael Henigan, also mourned the loss and remembered the time spent with Tanner. He wrote,

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,

His mother, Leslie, also took to her Facebook handle to announce the news. She wrote,

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.