Jonathan Palafox

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of two beloved brothers, Andy Hernandez and Jonathan Palafox, who lost their lives in a car accident on March 27, 2025.

Andy Hernandez, born on March 30, 2002, passed away days before his 23rd birthday. Andy was well known and loved by many. He was born in Los Angeles, California, and his family moved to Springfield, Tennessee when he was a toddler. While at South Haven Christian School, he exemplified servant leadership and academic excellence participating in countless fine arts competitions, choirs and ensembles, and was named valedictorian of the graduating class of 2020. He studied nursing at Pensacola Christian College and graduated in May of 2024 and was already a beloved nurse at the Monroe-Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. He was a bright light and brought joy and laughter to all who had the blessing of knowing him.

Jonathan Palafox, born on March 2, 2005, had just turned 20 years old when the accident claimed his life. Like his brother, Jonathan was known and loved by so many. While at South Haven Christian School, he followed in his brother’s footsteps and exemplified servant leadership and academic excellence. He competed in many fine arts competitions, was a leader in various school organizations, and always had a smile to share. Jonathan graduated from South Haven Christian School in 2023, as his class’s valedictorian. He was in his second year of studying criminal justice at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee with the intention to one day become a detective. He made the Dean’s List every semester, all while still making time to serve weekly at South Haven Baptist Church’s Spanish Ministry. He had been so excited as he had recently received the opportunity to study abroad in Europe later this year to expand his academic experience. Jonathan was always ready to lend a helping hand and a kind word to both the children he taught and the adults he interacted with alike.

Andy and Jonathan were two peas in a pod. Brothers, but also the best of friends. The two had been planning to take a sightseeing trip, visit family, and celebrate Andy’s birthday. They took an Uber to the airport the morning of March 27, and before ever getting to the airport, tragedy struck. They were involved in a multi-vehicle crash on Whites Creek Pike between Springfield and Joelton, Tennessee. Jonathan passed away on scene, and Andy passed away from his injuries later that day at Skyline Medical Center. Their absence will be painful for their family and loved ones, but we will remember them with great love. We thank God for their lives and we celebrate these two precious young men who in their seemingly short time here on earth, left behind an example of goodness, kindness, service, love, and their sweet smiles. We will cherish the memories forever and wait in anticipation for the joy of Heaven.

Andy and Jonathan were preceded in death by Tomas Linares and Debora Pacheco, their maternal grandparents. They are survived by Jose Palafox and Elena Yanira Pacheco, their parents, and by Pedro Palafox Parra and Carmen Nevarez Fierro, their paternal grandparents.

The visitation times are Friday, April 4th from 4:00 PM-8:00 PM at the Springfield Memorial Gardens at 4005 Memorial Blvd, Springfield, TN 37172, and Saturday April 5th from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM at South Haven Baptist Church in Springfield, Tennessee.

There will also be a small service at the funeral home on April 4th at 6:00 PM at Springfield Memorial Gardens during the visitation hours.

The funeral service will begin at 12:00 PM on Saturday April 5that South Haven Baptist Church and it will be immediately followed by the burial service which will happen at the Springfield Memorial Gardens beside the church.

Food will be provided in the South Haven cafeteria following the events of April 5th.