Kai Messmer
A celebration of life was held last week for Kai Messmer who was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and moved to Akron, New York at a young age. It is here that he first discovered his love for soccer. His passion for sports only grew stronger when he moved to Starpoint, where he continued competing and added singing, ukelele, and percussion to the list of his many talents.
When Kai started at St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute (St. Joe’s), he quickly became a proud “Joe’s Jumper,” excelling in track and field and also finding joy performing with the Swing Choir. Whether on the track, the stage, or just walking into a room, Kai’s energy and light were unforgettable.
Although college wasn’t his first choice, Kai agreed to attend Buffalo State College — for two reasons: for his mama, and for track. While there, he made lifelong friendships both on and off the track team, building bonds that stayed strong even after he moved on.
After completing three semesters at Buff State, Kai decided to chase a different dream, moving to Miami to build the life he truly wanted.
Recently, when asked if he ever planned to move back to Buffalo, he answered without hesitation: “Hell no, I’m living my best life.”
Kai’s life was full of love, laughter, music, sports, friendship, and generosity. It ended far too soon on April 5, 2025, at 9:11 p.m. Even in passing, Kai continued to give. Through his decision to be an organ donor, he saved the lives of two people by donating his kidneys — a final act of the kindness that defined him.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to support the St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute Track and Field Team and the Mount St. Mary’s Academy Girls Track and Field Team, in honor of Kai’s legacy and love for the sport. https://msmacademy.org/athletics/remembering-kai-messmer-msm-track-field-assistant-coach/
Kai lived a good life — full of the love he gave so freely and the joy he sparked in everyone he met. His spirit lives on in all of us who had the blessing of knowing him.
A celebration of life was held in Akron with one planned in Florida at a date yet to be determined.