Daniel Scott Medhurst

Daniel Scott Medhurst (Dan/Danny/Danimal), 44, passed away on 1/7/25 in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Gary and Julie Medhurst, along with big sister Angie- enthusiastically and lovingly welcomed Danny into this world on August 25, 1981. With that love and enthusiasm, he emerged- who would become- our (later nicknamed) Danimal. An energetic, adventurous, kind, and gentle-smart and funny little whippersnapper- soul debuted.
Growing up in Aurora, Ohio, near an over abundance of family members, Danny's precocious character began to bud. They say your cousins are your first friends- and there was never a shortage of those to play with- of which were always in the woods: making forts, swinging on vines, stomping in the creek, catching crawdads and minnows, sneaking down to the lake to fish, making mud pies and potions, or playing hide-and-seek and flashlight tag But being a FRIEND is where he's always excelled.
Making life long friends in elementary and middle school
Danny has always been described by both friends and family for being: a true, loyal, great friend who loved to laugh-and always succeeded at lifting spirits. Danny was so trustworthy he was counted on to be the keeper of secrets- by always being willing to lend an ear sans judgement.
Warm and welcoming, protective yet feisty. He was a carefree lover of all music, an avid concert goer, an enjoyer of live music and cold beer on a patio- one thing for certain is- Danimal was always ready for a good time and with him- a good time was always had. Whether watching his beloved Buckeyes beat the team up north, or his ambivalent relationship with the Cleveland Browns, making Danimal burgers for a cookout, beer and bonfires, Euchre or cornhole- he enjoyed growing up with all the extracurriculars that the Midwest has to offer and made the most it and when he had had enough he didn't waste time with lengthy goodbyes- he'd quietly slip out undetected thus becoming infamous for perfecting the, Irish Goodbye.
After graduating from Aurora High School in 2000 and devastatingly losing his father, Gary Medhurst the following year, Danny was motivated to find his wings and to live life his way and to the fullest. He ventured all over the United States but always found his way home to Aurora or where his mom, sister or family was; so he could rest his wings while his feet found the earth.
Dan loved being outside, so working in the landscaping field served that need. But Danny had more passions and hobbies than just settling for occupational titles. He was way more diverse than than that. He was a great observer and conversationalist, having deep convos-well into the night about anything from the cosmos to the meanings behind song lyrics and how awful the Browns administration is. He was a great cook and later found an intrinsic motivation for baking and used that talent for perfecting his peanut butter cup cheesecake with a fudge/carmel 'snizzle'. He was always the guy to call for help or knowledge of electronic gadgets too! Being an advocate for and a friend to all animals, he was happy to help out with dogs and more ironically, goats- or even the occasional donkey duo.
He traveled to Europe and spent time with Angie and Josh in Italy. Soon he would become-Uncle- the title of which made him the most proud.
Kai and Kace were his buddies. He was their Superman. Their very own human jungle gym, dojo master and video game monitor.
After finding his fur baby bestie, Bodhi- and with Josh and Angie being settled in Virginia Beach, Julie later joined them and soon after Dan and Bodhi decided they too wanted to be closer to the family.
Danny didn't waste anytime picking up old friendships he had made previously and maintained. He plunged back into life in Virginia Beach with both feet just as he Polar Plunged into freezing ocean waters to raise money for and in support of the Special Olympics.
There's no denying that Daniel Scott Medhurst, lived life his way and to the fullest and did it with a twinkle in his green eyes and an anticipatory smile. With Julie and Angie by his side he was laughing and joking until his sudden departure. Upon which he pulled his biggest Irish Goodbye yet- as in life so too in death- he simply grinned, closed his eyes, and off he went.
Daniel follows in peace those loved ones who passed before him- his father, Gary Medhurst and brother, Jacob Medhurst.
Virginia Beach Memorial:
Date: January 21st, 2026
Time: 4pm-7pm
Location:
Virginia Beach Moose Lodge
3133 Shipps Corner Road Virginia Beach, Virginia 23453
Ohio Memorial:
Date: February 13th, 2026
Time: 4p-7p
Location:
Centerville Mills
8558 Crackel Road, Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to:
https://impact.specialolympicsva.org/team/796202
Or your local blood bank