Killian W. Barnette

February 11, 2003 – April 18, 2025
With broken hearts, we announce the passing of Killian "Ki" Westall Barnette, who was tragically killed on April 18, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida. He was only 22 years old.
Killian was born on February 11, 2003, at Halifax Hospital in Daytona Beach, Florida. Known affectionately as "Ki," he was a bright and loving soul. He lived with passion, humor, and a fierce loyalty to those he cared for.
He spent his early years growing up in New Smyrna Beach, surrounded by a large, loving extended family and many cousins. He shared a special bond with his maternal grandmother, Betty Galbreath, who lovingly called him her "little bunny." Killian was an adventurous and active child who loved being outdoors-climbing trees, hunting for pirate treasure, going to the beach, reading, and riding his bicycle. He enjoyed playing soccer in the local recreation league, swimming, attending summer surf camps, and practicing martial arts as a proud Little Dragon. He also dearly loved and cared for his pets, Morgan and Ninja, who were always by his side and part of his joyful everyday adventures.
In 2012, Killian moved to Ormond Beach, where he graduated from Pine Trail Elementary and continued on to Ormond Beach Middle School and Seabreeze High School. Always a gifted student, he especially excelled in math and science, and had a natural curiosity that fueled his learning. His favorite hobbies included fishing, gaming, basketball, and football, and he made friends easily wherever he went. Killian was active in the Ormond Beach PAL (Police Athletic League) program, where he took part in volunteer and community service projects, always willing to give back with a smile.
In December 2017, Killian celebrated his "Gotcha Day" when Michael Barnette officially adopted him as his son. While Michael had been his father in every way for over seven years, this moment marked a profound milestone of security, love, and belonging-formally making Killian a Barnette and sealing the bond they had always shared.
Killian graduated from Seabreeze High School in 2021, earning a Merit Scholar designation. He was a proud athlete who played Pop Warner football through middle school, which led him to join the Seabreeze High School Sandcrabs football team as a wide receiver during his freshman and sophomore years. He also enjoyed playing recreational basketball throughout middle and high school, building friendships and memories on the court. He walked with his graduating class during one of the first in-person ceremonies following the pandemic-a joyful and well-earned moment of pride.
Killian found great pride in his work and had discovered a job he truly loved-selling tree work. As his close friend Tristan shared, "He was truly good at it. With all of the people he talked to. He came to everyone as another person and did care for what could potentially go on in their yards because I got to witness that. It taught me so much about not only what's wrong with trees, but he could get pretty scientifically about it." His care, natural charisma, and growing technical knowledge made him stand out in his field. Through hard work and passion, he had worked his way up to the role of Project Manager, where he supervised teams, continued to build meaningful relationships and take pride in helping others care for their property and the natural environment.
Above all, Killian's proudest and most defining role was being a father. In November 2023, he welcomed his beautiful twins, Zion and Zendaya Barnette, with their mother, Shaniqua Kelley. Killian loved his children unconditionally and was the best dad they could ever have. He was their protector, their constant, and did everything in his power to get it right for them. His love for Zion and Zendaya was boundless, and he embraced fatherhood with his whole heart.
Killian is survived by his beloved children, Zion and Zendaya Barnette; their mother, Shaniqua Kelly; his mother, Kate Martinelli (George Martinelli) of Cave Spring, Georgia; his adopted father, C. Michael Barnette of Ormond Beach, Florida; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends who were blessed to know and love him.
He is preceded in death by maternal great-grandmother, Elsie Galbreath (2007), his beloved grandmother, Betty Galbreath (November 2018); his grandfather, Chris Galbreath (January 2023); his biological father, Kirk Vandervoort (July 8, 2017); and his paternal grandmother and step-grandfather, Lois Lester (2011) and Ralph Lester (2010).
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Dale Woodward Chapel by the Sea, located at 1780 Ocean Shore Blvd., Ormond Beach, FL 32176. A viewing will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by a short service at 12:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Kyle Holmgren of Tomoka Christian Church in Bunnell.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Killian's memory to Halifax Humane Society, Daytona Beach.
Though his time with us was heartbreakingly short, Killian's legacy lives on through the laughter of his children, the love of his family, and the countless memories shared by all who knew him. He will be remembered always for his warmth, his strength, and the deep, unwavering love he gave so freely.