Some people leave an imprint that extends far beyond their own lifetime. Sonny Tripp was one of those people. 

Leroy “Sonny” Tripp was born on August 5, 1969, to Leroy and Sue Tripp. He and his sister, Melissa (Tripp) Defenbaugh, were raised in Crescent City and later Redding, where Sonny formed lifelong friendships and deep community ties that remained with him throughout his life.

From an early age, Sonny found joy and belonging through athletics. Growing up in Crescent City, he developed a love for football, basketball, and track. Sports became a natural way for him to connect with others and begin building the leadership and discipline that would shape much of his life.

Sonny attended Redwood Elementary School in Crescent City, following in the footsteps of his mother and her siblings. One of his favorite teachers was Mr. Goodgame, who inspired Sonny’s interest in history. During these years, his love for football and basketball continued to grow. In eighth grade, Sonny had the special opportunity to be coached by his father, who later presented diplomas to Sonny and his classmates, making the milestone especially meaningful.

During his freshman year of high school, Sonny moved to Redding, where he continued to excel in athletics and form lasting friendships. He was crowned Homecoming King during his senior year football season, reflecting the friendship, respect, and admiration held by his peers.

Sonny went on to attend Sacramento State, Santa Barbara City College, and Humboldt State University where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Native American Studies. He would later earn a Master’s in Education while student teaching at Chief Sealth High School and also taking care of his young family in Seattle, Washington. Sonny was always grateful for his education and would often remark how it helped him provide for his family.

Sonny had three children with Sawar Young. Being a father was Sonny’s greatest pride and source of strength. Above all, Sonny cherished his family, which he called “his basket”. He loved his kids, Mateek, Imya, and Imnihva unconditionally and the time he spent raising them was filled with laughter, love, and joy. His greatest wish for them was their happiness. 

Fatherhood came naturally to Sonny. He led with humor, guidance, wisdom, and compassion, and he listened with care and intention, always doing his best to support his children. Sonny sacrificed much to raise his children and support his basket far from home. He was grateful to return home with his family and to serve his community.

Gratitude shaped the way Sonny saw the world, and grounded him in love and positivity. That spirit was reflected in his parenting, where he treated every moment with his children as a blessing and never missed an opportunity to remind them how deeply they were loved. They were the center of his world.

In his final moments, Sonny was surrounded by his two sons, his daughter and close friends. Through tears, there was comfort in knowing how much love he had given and in the love that surrounded him in return.

Sonny was a proud Karuk tribal member and a descendant of the villages of Katimiîn, Ameekyáaraam, and Asamnaamkaruk. He deeply valued his Native heritage and honored his family’s traditions in every part of his life. He was a jump dancer, brush dancer, and sun dancer with his Ho-Chunk and Lakota brothers.

As a coach, Sonny brought a winning culture to every team he led. He guided students who were often overlooked and helped them recognize their own strength and voice. Coaching basketball was one of his greatest joys and one he got to share. During his tenure as the McKinleyville High School Varsity Head Coach, he had the privilege to coach with one of his best friends Larrin McConnell and to coach his two sons.  He would teach his players that the court was a sacred place, where you play to win; and leave everything you have on the court. To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift. 

To his players, and to students, he was a positive influence who truly took the time to listen and care. Working with the schools was a very rewarding time for Sonny. He formed lasting connections and cared for his students with genuine concern, supporting them not only in sports and education, but in life. To some of his players, he was far more than a coach. He was a role model who believed in them long before they believed in themselves.

Sonny’s work as an Indigenous Education Advocate for the Northern California Indian Development Council (NCIDC) brought him great pride. During this time, he was able to unapologetically be himself while working to bring leaders together from across the West Coast. Though the work was serious and deeply important, Sonny never let it become too heavy. He carried it with humility, balance, and a sense of humanity that made others feel welcome and connected.

Alongside his NCIDC family, he built bridges between cultures, generations, and communities. He believed deeply in the potential of every young person and in the importance of education grounded in identity, respect, and belonging. Through partnerships with tribal nations, schools, the ACLU and many other organizations, Sonny helped create lasting change that continues to shape the lives of students and families. Those who worked beside him remember his integrity, compassion, and courage. His legacy lives on in the students he uplifted, the conversations he started, and the movement he helped advance toward equity, healing, and cultural understanding.

One of the most meaningful chapters of Sonny’s life was the time he spent caring for his uncle, Brian D. Tripp with the assistance of his son Imya. Those years were filled with adventure, laughter, and music at Karuk Man’s House. During this time he had a chance to reconnect with old friends while also making new ones.  Sonny stepped up and filled a huge gap for his entire family and extended community. NCIDC provided unwavering support during this time, making it possible for Sonny to balance caregiving with his professional responsibilities.

To those who knew him, Sonny was unforgettable. Though his absence is deeply felt, his spirit continues through the lives he touched, the songs he carried, and the lessons he shared. Sonny’s energy lifted every space he entered, and he had a rare gift for making others feel seen, heard, and valued. His presence, influence, and care will continue to guide and inspire the North Coast for generations to come.

The Tripp family extends their heartfelt thanks to Imya Tripp, Chris Carmona, and Larrin “Coach” McConnell for their unwavering care, presence, and compassion they showed Sonny throughout his lymphoma diagnosis and cancer treatment.  They are also deeply grateful to the doctors, nurses, and staff at UIHS, Providence Santa Rosa, and UCSF, whose dedication and kindness provided comfort and support during an incredibly difficult time. To the many friends and loved ones who contributed to Sonny’s GoFundMe, your support brought comfort during his final months and reminded Sonny, again and again, how deeply he was loved. Thank you. 

The family also offers sincere and lasting gratitude to the Northern California Indian Development Council and Eureka City Schools for their continued support and the many ways they showed care for Sonny throughout his work. Your understanding, flexibility, and compassion made a meaningful difference in his life and in the lives of those he served.

Sonny was preceded in death by his great aunt Georgie, his uncles Amos Tripp, Brian D. Tripp, and Phillip Tripp. And mother’s side of family; uncles Mike Hutsell, Clayton Hutsell and aunties Paula Lotti and Jaxie Snider. Heart brothers Phil Ford, Charles “Chaz” Marshall, Tim Brown, JP Morgan, and Darrell Emerson. 

He is survived by his parents, Leroy and Sue Tripp; his children, Mateek Tripp, Imya Tripp, and Imnihva Tripp; his sister & brother-in-law, Melissa & Bill Defenbaugh; his nephew, Yutimiin Defenbaugh; aunts & uncles, Maria Tripp, David & Jan Tripp, Rose Tripp, Helen & Pat Suri, Karen Noble and numerous cousins.  

To the many people, students, players, families, and community members we were unable to list, please know that Sonny considered you his own.

On Sunday, January 18, 2026, family and friends will gather in rememb

In Loving Memory of Leroy ‘Sonny’ Tripp August 5, 1969 – October 31, 2025 Some people leave an imprint that extends far beyond their own lifetime. Sonny Tripp was one of those people. Leroy “Sonny” Tripp was born on August 5, 1969, to Leroy and Sue Tripp. He and his sister, Melissa (Tripp) Defenbaugh, were raised in Crescent City and later Redding, where Sonny formed lifelong friendships and deep community ties that remained with him throughout his life. From an early age, Sonny found joy and belonging through athletics. Growing up in Crescent City, he developed a love for football, basketball, and track. Sports became a natural way for him to connect with others and begin building the leadership and discipline that would shape much of his life. Sonny attended Redwood Elementary School in Crescent City, following in the footsteps of his mother and her siblings. One of his favorite teachers was Mr. Goodgame, who inspired Sonny’s interest in history. During these years, his love for football and basketball continued to grow. In eighth grade, Sonny had the special opportunity to be coached by his father, who later presented diplomas to Sonny and his classmates, making the milestone especially meaningful. During his freshman year of high school, Sonny moved to Redding, where he continued to excel in athletics and form lasting friendships. He was crowned Homecoming King during his senior year football season, reflecting the friendship, respect, and admiration held by his peers. Sonny went on to attend Sacramento State, Santa Barbara City College, and Humboldt State University where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Native American Studies. He would later earn a Master’s in Education while also taking care of his young family in Seattle, Washington. Being a father was Sonny’s greatest pride and source of strength. Above all, Sonny cherished his family, which he called “his basket”. He loved his three kids, Mateek, Imya, and Imnihva unconditionally and the time he spent raising them was filled with laughter, love, and joy. His greatest wish for them was their happiness. Fatherhood came naturally to Sonny. He led with humor, guidance, wisdom, and compassion, and he listened with care and intention, always doing his best to support his children. Sonny sacrificed much to raise his children and support his basket far from home. He was grateful to return home with his family and to serve his community. Gratitude shaped the way Sonny saw the world, and grounded him in love and positivity. That spirit was reflected in his parenting, where he treated every moment with his children as a blessing and never missed an opportunity to remind them how deeply they were loved. They were the center of his world. In his final moments, Sonny was surrounded by his two sons, his daughter and close friends. Through tears, there was comfort in knowing how much love he had given and in the love that surrounded him in return. Sonny was a proud Karuk Tribal member and a descendant of the villages of Katimiîn, Ameekyáaraam, and Asamnaamkaruk. He deeply valued his Native heritage and honored his family’s traditions in every part of his life. He was a jump dancer, brush dancer, and sun dancer with his Lakota brothers. As a coach, Sonny brought a winning culture to every team he led. He guided students who were often overlooked and helped them recognize their own strength and voice. Coaching basketball was one of his greatest joys and one he got to share. During his tenure as the McKinleyville High School Varsity Head Coach, he had the privilege to coach with one of his best friends Larrin McConnell and to coach his two sons. He would teach his players that the court was a sacred place, where you play to win; and leave everything you have on the court. To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift. To his players, and to students, he was a positive influence who truly took the time to listen and care. Working with the schools was a very rewarding time for Sonny. He formed lasting connections and cared for his students with genuine concern, supporting them not only in sports and education, but in life. To some of his players, he was far more than a coach. He was a role model who believed in them long before they believed in themselves. Sonny’s work as an Indigenous Education Advocate for the Northern California Indian Development Council (NCIDC) brought him great pride. During this time, he was able to unapologetically be himself while working to bring leaders together from across the West Coast. Though the work was serious and deeply important, Sonny never let it become too heavy. He carried it with humility, balance, and a sense of humanity that made others feel welcome and connected. Alongside his NCIDC family, he built bridges between cultures, generations, and communities. He believed deeply in the potential of every young person and in the importance of education grounded in identity, respect, and belonging. Through partnerships with tribal nations, schools, the ACLU and many other organizations, Sonny helped create lasting change that continues to shape the lives of students and families. Those who worked beside him remember his integrity, compassion, and courage. His legacy lives on in the students he uplifted, the conversations he started, and the movement he helped advance toward equity, healing, and cultural understanding. One of the most meaningful chapters of Sonny’s life was the time he spent caring for his uncle, Brian D. Tripp with the assistance of his son Imya. Those years were filled with adventure, laughter, and music at the Karuk Man’s House. During this time he had a chance to reconnect with old friends while also making new ones. Sonny stepped in and filled a huge gap for his entire family and extended community. NCIDC provided unwavering support during this time, making it possible for Sonny to balance caregiving with his professional responsibilities. To those who knew him, Sonny was unforgettable. Though his absence is deeply felt, his spirit continues through the lives he touched, the songs he carried, and the lessons he shared. Sonny’s energy lifted every space he entered, and he had a rare gift for making others feel seen, heard, and valued. His presence, influence, and care will continue to guide and inspire the North Coast for generations to come. The Tripp family extends their heartfelt thanks to Imya Tripp, Chris Carmona, and Larrin “Coach” McConnell for their unwavering care, presence, and compassion they showed Sonny throughout his lymphoma diagnosis and cancer treatment. They are also deeply grateful to the doctors, nurses, and staff at UIHS, Providence Santa Rosa, and UCSF, whose dedication and kindness provided comfort and support during an incredibly difficult time. To the many friends and loved ones who contributed to Sonny’s GoFundMe, you brought comfort during his final months and reminded Sonny, again and again, how deeply he was loved. Thank you. The family also offers sincere and lasting gratitude to the Northern California Indian Development Council and Eureka City Schools for their continued support and the many ways they showed care for Sonny throughout his work. Your understanding, flexibility, and compassion made a meaningful difference in his life and in the lives of those he served. Sonny was preceded in death by his great aunt Georgie, his uncles Amos Tripp, Brian D. Tripp, and Phillip Tripp. And mother’s side of family; uncles Mike Hutsell, Clayton Hutsell and aunties Paula Lotti and Jaxie Snider. Heart brothers Phil Ford, Charles “Chaz” Marshall, Tim Brown, JP Morgan, and Darrell Emerson. He is survived by his parents, Leroy and Sue Tripp; his children, Mateek Tripp, Imya Tripp, and Imnihva Tripp; his sister, Melissa (Bill) Defenbaugh; and his nephew, Yutimiin; aunts & uncles, Maria Tripp, David & Jan Tripp, Rose Tripp, Helen & Pat Suri, Karen Noble and numerous cousins. Honorary Pallbearers Cousins Levi Tripp Hector Tripp Paloma Pole Monica Tripp Analisa Tripp Frankie Tripp Emilo Tripp Justin Tripp Angelica Tripp Phil Tripp Jasper Tripp Pimm Allen Kapoon James Sandi Colivas Wiyaka Bennett Tammy Wakefield Friends that were family Larrin McConnell Chris Carmona Rick Garcia Donny Koopman Jeff Garrett Dennis Salyers John Riddle Mike Spangle Gary Storts Bubba Riggins Vincent Feliz Sam Jones Rob Butler Bronson Koenig Dustin Dutra Shawna Gallagher Toni Ramos Marva Jones Roman Rain Tree Gerald Spannaus Antonio Padilla Charli “C Murph” Murphy Ron Griffin Tyler Conrad Nikwe Hostler To the many people, students, players, families, and community members we were unable to list, please know that Sonny considered you his own. On Sunday, January 18, 2026, family and friends will gather in remembrance of Sonny. Please join us at 11 a.m. in the Jay Willard Gymnasium at Eureka High School for a celebration of life and a potluck, as we honor the memories and spirit he leaves with us.

rance of Sonny. Please join us at 11 a.m. in the Jay Willard Gymnasium at Eureka High School for a time of shared reflection and a potluck, as we honor the memories and spirit he leaves with us.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Sonny Tripp’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.