Irvin Gabriel Cortes — lovingly known as Gaby — entered heaven at just 18 years old while attending Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. Though his time on earth was short, his impact was immeasurable. He leaves behind a legacy of love, energy, courage, and passion that continues to shine through everyone who knew him. Beloved son of Irvin and Dagmaris Cortes, and cherished brother to Arianna E. Cortes (Ari) and his twin, Francisco J. Cortes (Frankie), Gaby was a young man whose light touched hearts wherever he went. From an early age, Gaby showed remarkable strength. He completed his first ten years of schooling in Puerto Rico, and after the devastation of Hurricane María in 2017, he and his family relocated to The Woodlands, Texas. It was one of many moments where Gaby demonstrated extraordinary bravery — meeting life’s challenges with determination and grace.
 

In Texas, he attended Wilkerson Intermediate, Knox Jr. High, and Bear Branch Jr. High, later continuing at Magnolia High School and ultimately graduating from Willis High School. At the time of his passing, he was in his first semester at Texas Tech University, excitedly building the future he dreamed of. Gaby was a passionate athlete who excelled in both basketball and volleyball. He began playing at a young age in Puerto Rico, competing in five Puerto Rico Championship Finals and winning one (ACB) with Arecibo Basketball. He also played with the Spartans (Vega Baja), Vaqueros (Bayamón), Arecibo Arvaja (Arecibo), and Colegio de Ingenieros (San Juan).

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After moving to Houston, he continued his athletic journey with 365 Elite, Nemesis, Modern Basketball, and Backcourt Hoops. In high school, he competed at the varsity level in both basketball and volleyball during his junior and senior years — even while pushing through knee injuries toward the end of his journey. On every court, he displayed discipline, perseverance, and the unmistakable spark of someone who played with his whole heart. Beyond athletics, Gaby was known for his intensity for life, his loving nature, his respectfulness, his excellent manners, and his deep Christian faith. He lived with passion and carried himself with humility, always uplifting others with his smile and kindness.

 

In his final act of love, Gaby chose to be an organ donor. Through his generosity, seven of his organs were donated to five people — including one individual who had been waiting for a kidney for five years. His ligaments and tissues will likely help another seventy-five people, extending his compassion far beyond his years. May we honor him not with sorrow alone, but by living with the same passion, courage, respect, and faith that he carried every day. His memory will forever live in the hearts of those who loved him. Though his earthly journey ended too soon, we rejoice knowing he is embraced by God’s eternal love.