I just learned that my friend, Shawn Garcia, passed away yesterday, and I wanted to take a moment to remember him.
Shawn was a yo-yoer and photographer based in El Paso, Texas. He had a wife and a loving family, and within the yo-yo community, he was best known for his incredible photography — which he shared as @yotoyimages on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
He had an amazing imagination and a real gift for capturing yo-yos in ways no one else could. I was a huge fan of his exploded-view photos, where every part of the yo-yo seemed to hover in midair.
Shawn inspired a lot of people, myself included. I was lucky to collaborate with him a few times, including on a yo-yo we made together called the Shawn Exploder. But what I’ll remember most is his creativity, his kindness, and his love for this little community we’re all part of.
We’ll miss him deeply.
A few years back, I asked Shawn to share some behind the scenes footage from one of his yo-yo shoots. I’m really glad I did, it’s great to hear his voice again. You can see that clip about 16 minutes of this video https://youtu.be/nCuaiO7xeTc?si=uJW99Q4Ur8G6_dmX&t=935
Aww man, this is terrible to hear. I feel like I JUST saw him post a trick the other day. Life is nuts man. His work was SUPER high quality and he has such a unique perspective in his photography with the “exploded” view of yoyos. There will truly be a void in the community now. RIP
Mr. Garcia was such a loving member here there and everywhere that has been yoyo for so long. Thoughts and prayers go out to his closest friends in the community and his family.
This is all so fresh to everyone but I can’t help but smile to think about some of artist ways that Mr. Garcia shared his incredible yoyo collection with us. And honestly it was never talked about much, but Mr. Garcia had some of the most rare pieces you will see in our community.
Here’s to you brother. The hours of talking freehands, takeshi mods, throws and life bro. I will miss your work man. And also. I’ll miss you dude.
His photos are incredible and his yoyo style was smooth and unique. It was a surprise to learn that the man behind the #oldmanyoyoing hashtag was only in his fifties and really sad now to hear that he’s gone so young.
this is terrible and a big loss for the community overall. Shawn was one of the best and his work as yotoyimages is iconic and historical. May he rest in peace and may he always be remembered
This is terrible news to hear, the yo-yo community really lost a real one. I actually recently won a Julyyoyo Sharpness from his generous giveaway. It’s definitely going to stay in the collection in memory of Shawn.
