Lover of family and exploration
Whether it was the fresh-water creeks of Alabama, or the beaches of the Gulf Coast, Aaron loved the water. An explorer at heart, he loved everything from going to the beach with his Uncle Tater and his girlfriend, to exploring old buildings in Sevierville, Tennessee. On several occasions he even built up the courage to try new experiences with family members. Once he participated in an indoor skydiving experience with his brother, Brandon, even though the massive fan that propelled them into the air scared him. He also rode fair rides with his daughter, AnnaMarie, despite feeling silly on the small kiddie rides. She will never forget those precious memories made with her father.
Aaron loved working on engines and riding all-terrain vehicles. Some of the fondest memories of his youth were the times he and his brother were covered in mud after a long day of riding ATVs. In recent years, Aaron enjoyed riding 4-wheelers with his girlfriend and working on motorcycle and car engines both professionally and as a hobby. Prior to his passing, Aaron worked with his father, Timmy, running construction equipment. Aaron really enjoyed being an operator, and his dad was very proud of him.
When it came to loving his family, Aaron was second to none. His mother, Teresa, reminisces on memories of Aaron with his family. “He once told his grandma, Grannie Annie, to hurry and come see the giant ‘smoth.’ He meant moth, it was on the side of our shed.” Aaron loved his daughter, AnnaMarie, wholeheartedly. Now eight, she now lives in Huntsville, AL with his brother Brandon, sister-in-law Jeanette and her cousins Annsley, Braylee, and Elliott. Because of the strong family structure that Aaron was a part of, his mother finds comfort knowing that AnnaMarie is with family, “it’s like she was meant to be with them.”
Not only was Aaron a family man, but he was also loved by his community. Many people attended Aaron’s funeral. Friends, family, and members of the community came to show support for the family and remember the good times with Aaron.
When not actively using drugs, Aaron was funny, cute, and had a silly personality, which he inherited from his father. Aaron’s ten-year battle with, substance use disorder started with marijuana and alcohol, and later led to pain pills and Xanax. After several arrests and stints in treatment, Aaron was on a path toward recovery. He dreamed of living a substance-free life, owning a nice home and having a great job. Tragically, Aaron’s battle with addiction took a lethal turn when he sought to illegally obtain pain medication after a motorcycle accident. Poisoned by fentanyl-laced hydrocodone, he passed away, leaving a void in his family and community. Aaron’s passing spurred his family into action. They’re advocating for greater awareness of substance misuse dangers, especially fentanyl poisoning. They now push for stronger border security and more mental health facilities, which they say are lacking in Alabama.
Aaron’s parents, Timmy and Teresa Connell, provided the information for this narrative.
April 27, 1993-May 7, 2022-Age 29
Portrait Artist: Elizabeth Jones
Narrative Writer: Justin Teague
