Ian Matthew Horner

Ian Matthew Horner, age 33, passed away on January 3rd, 2026, in Aurora, Colorado. He was born in Denver, Colorado, on March 12th, 1992, to parents Robert and Lynnette Horner.

After graduating from Arapahoe High school in 2010, he went on to earn his Bachelors in Computer Science from the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs in 2014.

Living in Colorado Springs fueled his love for the outdoors. He specifically loved sleeping in tents, not so much the intensive hiking portion, which he did enjoy from time to time. While growing up he loved to spend nights by himself or with his siblings in their treehouse, or on the trampoline, enjoying the sounds of nature.

Ian had a deep passion and love for videogames. “Metroid Prime,” “Halo,” and the “Dark Souls Series” were his all-time favorites. He also held hilarious record attempts in “Sims 3” and “Metroid Prime” speed runs.

Ian absolutely loved all kinds of films. He started a film club at UCCS, where he met one of his best friends. He enjoyed bad films such as those directed, produced, and acted by Neil Breen. Horror was one of his favorite film genres, specifically the movie The Witch. He also forced (with little pushback) his youngest sister and others to watch the horror movie Slaxx, a movie about killer jeans (literally). Ian also enjoyed more artsy film style, especially those directed by Wes Anderson. His favorite director was David Lynch (specifically Mulholland Drive and Twin Peaks), and this shared love brought together Ian and his long-term partner, Jeff.

Ian could come across as a shy and quiet person at first, but upon meeting and getting to know him, he showed himself to be a creative, quick-witted and kind soul. His love for those in his circle was fierce. He loved asking questions and bonding over things that others might find silly. Whether getting together for the holidays or simply joining others for chores and errands, quality time was his love language. He loved to laugh, create silly videos, and go on adventures with others.

Ian loved weird, unique, or immersive experiences: pop culture-con, the Stanley Hotel, the Sasquatch museum, or going to a haunted bridge in the middle of the night and insisting on “following the voices I hear under the bridge,” much to the others’ dismay.

He was strong, fighting through personal battles that we wish he didn't have to. Through everything, his kindness toward others never changed. He was real, honest, and never wavered from his true self—an attribute that is deeply admirable. He is cherished forever by many.

Ian is survived by his parents, Robert and Lynnette Horner; siblings Lindsey Menges (Adam Menges), Josh Horner, Caitlin Horner (John Hill); long-term partner Jeff Trowbridge; and grandmother Yvonne Horner.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Ian, the family would appreciate donations to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.