Alyssa Zapata
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Alyssa Zapata passed away on the afternoon of Thursday, March 19, 2026, at the age of 26. She left us at the Overland Park Regional Medical Center, where she was able to give the gift of organ donation to six people.
Alyssa was born on August 6, 1999, at the Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton to her parents Chago and Jessica, who survive their darling daughter. Her memory is carried on by so many members of her family: especially her sisters, Sabrina and Vanessa, her grandmother Jacqui, and her beloved fiancé, Aaron.
In life, Alyssa was both a free spirit and a spitfire. She was known to be outspoken, intuitive, and had a hunger for knowledge. She enjoyed true crime podcasts and spent most of her life researching topics that sparked her inquisitive nature. She was the smartest person in every room she walked into, and had an extraordinary knack for connecting with anyone she met. No one was immune to her charm; few people resisted it. She loved fiercely and spent her life growing into the most remarkable young woman the likes of which no one had ever seen.
Alyssa loved a great many things. Those of us that she leaves behind on this Earth will walk it with endless reminders of her. She grew up in San Pedro, California, a coastal town at the bottom of Los Angeles County, where she enjoyed exploring the tide pools as a child. She treasured freshly bloomed flowers, bumblebees, and ladybugs, all of which could be found in the arm and shoulder sleeve of tattoos she showed off every chance she got. She kept knick knacks in the shape of strawberries, adored fine gold jewelry, crocheting, and the color pink. She skated her way through life on glittery roller skates, thrifted vintage uranium glass, and her Squishmallow plush toy collection was unrivaled. She loved her darling Blue Heeler puppy, Walter, to the moon and back. She never went a day without snacking: on crackers, candy and perfectly ripe fruits.
The sweetness of her hobbies was a perfect compliment to her firecracker spirit. She was as unique as every blade of grass that has ever grown. She always said that when she died, she hoped to become a cloud. Look up at the sky each day, and you’ll see her.
Please join us for Alyssa’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Garden’s Lakeside Amphitheater from 2:30pm to 4:30pm (8909 W 179th St, Overland Park, KS, 66013). Snacks and light refreshments will be served. Please come in your best and brightest clothes, florals encouraged.
To the loving family of Alyssa,
I offer my sincere condolences at the loss of your beautiful child. This is truly the worst fear of a parent.
Those of us who believe hope to experience reunion with our loved ones. Certainly I wish this for you. There just wasn’t enough time.
May God bless and comfort you🌷.
Love,
Aunt Chris
My deepest condolences from Florida, to all of the family my prayers are with you.
Getting to know Alyssa was such an honor. All throughout high school she was my rock. We spent years growing up together. Alyssa was such a strong presence in my life. After moving away she would always fly back to visit. Those were the best times. When she moved back to Florida I was so beyond happy. Every Saturday for months she would make us breakfast and we’d spend the morning together, catching up on our weeks. We haven’t spoken in years, but she would pop into my head every so often and I would wonder how she was doing, and if she was happy. I know now that she was. I’m so thankful, for all of the time and years we spent in each other’s lives. All of the amazing memories I have, and even some pictures and videos to go along with it. Those are the things I will cherish forever. Im blessed to have known you. I hope you rest easy, you will never be forgotten.
Alyssa reached so many people in life and after her passing. She’s a hero in her own right, gifting her organs to six others in their time of need. She was an old soul that carried herself in a way that was enchanting. Her wit, honesty, intellect, stubborn nature, and fierce sense of self were all attributes that I greatly admired in her.
I am so deeply sorry for this immense loss. It’s a jarring tragedy, an awful reminder of how quickly things can change. If the Zapata’s need anything at all, I will be there eternally, helping with whatever you may need. You are family, and in my thoughts every day. Rest easy, Lyssie the Swan. Take good care of Poochie and Storm until the rest of us get there.
Sending all my love,
Taylor ❤️xxxxx
My deepest and sincerest condolences to all who loved sweet Alyssa. My heart is broken to learn of her passing. I have the most wonderful heartfelt memories of her younger days spending time with my daughter Gina, sleepovers and get togethers with family members. She was always a delight to have around. I remember how petite she was but full of strength and spunk that reminded me of her beautiful Aunt Kristin. These memories will stay forever in my heart. Thank you “snuggle bug” for making those memories so dear. See you on the other side one day. Until then, I send you much love up to where you are. Sweet Alyssa, forever young and beautiful, rest easy angel girl.🙏🏼♥️😘
I can only imagine the weight of this loss and I am so immensely sorry. I know how much she meant to everyone who had the honor of knowing her.
I am here for your family in any way I can!! I love you endlessly and I’m holding you close to my heart during this very difficult time.
My deepest sympathies. It was shocking to hear of Alyssa’s passing. She was such a sweet girl. Sending all of my love to the family and friends.
Jessica and Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all of you!
No matter how far away we are and how time has passed you will be family always.
There are no words……
We love you.