Mateo Cruz Negrete

In Loving Memory of Mateo Cruz Negrete

March 19, 2025 – April 11, 2025

With hearts full of love and sorrow, we announce the passing of our beautiful son, Mateo Cruz Negrete, who graced this world on March 19, 2025, at 9:07 PM at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. Mateo “Teo” was so excited to meet his family, he came a whopping three months early at just 26 weeks and three days, 2 lbs 6.8 oz, and 12.8” long. He came into this world small in size but mighty in spirit.

Mateo was lovingly welcomed by his parents, Angelica Negrete and Michael Negrete, who cherished every precious moment of his 23 days on this earth. Mateo was born with a rare condition, called Kagami-Ogata syndrome, affecting fewer than one in a million. This condition comes with a long journey and many challenges, all of which Mateo navigated fiercely and graciously as he persevered one symptom at a time, showing us true strength and heart. He had the most expressive eyebrows, a head of soft red hair more vibrant than any sunset, and a heart so warm and pure it radiated love and resilience.

Even though his eyes often stayed closed, he tried his hardest to open them just to sneak a peek at Mom and Dad. He was always listening for his mama and daddy's voices—he would get so excited that sometimes when he heard them he would lose his breath. He loved listening to his favorite song, “Boogie Shoes,” which he danced to in his mama’s belly. Mateo wasn’t a fan of anything on his head, and he made sure everyone knew it. He didn’t like being poked or prodded, but he absolutely loved being held in the arms of his mom and dad, where he felt safest and most at peace.

Mateo’s time with us was brief, but his impact was immeasurable. He was a fighter from the very beginning and brought together everyone who loved him in awe of his strength, beauty, and spirit. In those 23 days, Mateo taught us about unconditional love, perseverance, and the quiet power of presence.

On April 11, 2025, at 2:13 AM, Mateo passed away peacefully in his mother’s arms, surrounded by boundless love. His parents are endlessly proud of him and forever grateful for the moments they shared with him.

Mateo was deeply loved by so many—family, friends, nurses, and doctors—all who were touched by his light. Although his journey was short, his story will live on in every heart he reached.

Rest peacefully, our sweet Mateo. You will always be our brave little lion, our music-loving bundle of joy, and forever our baby boy.