

Obituary
Kristian Diego Budd-Alston
November 29, 2006 - January 5, 2025
Kristian Diego Budd-Alston passed away on January 5, 2025. He was born on November 29, 2006, the third child and only son of Kristi Budd. He attended the Paideia School for elementary and junior high school before enrolling at the Charles R. Drew Charter Senior Academy. As a student, Kristian was the president of his junior class, was appointed to the Student Advisory Council for Atlanta Public Schools, and was a peer leader for the mentoring program at Drew. He was also the team manager for the Drew boys' varsity basketball team and the captain of the cross-country team for three years.
A lifelong resident of Atlanta, Kristian was an avid sports fan and frequently attended men’s and women’s college and professional-level sporting events. Kristian had a passion for all Atlanta teams, including Atlanta United, the Hawks, the Falcons, and the Braves. Kristian routinely appeared on the jumbotrons at many sporting events, and his natural way of connecting with people allowed him to make friends all over the city.
Kristian was affectionately known as “The Mayor” of the Olmsted neighborhood where he lived for most of his life. The close-knit community cherished and embraced Kristian’s kindness and gentle spirit–he often played with kids, helped neighbors with odd jobs, and attended social events.
Kristian developed a keen interest in photography and founded Images by Kris, a thriving freelance photography business. He was often hired as a photographer for families and local sporting events and was awarded the distinguished Gordon Parks Photography award in the fall of 2024. Kristian was employed by a Black female-owned King of Pops franchise for several years and had the opportunity to attend many special events through this experience.
The YMCA also played an integral part in Kristian's life. He spent many summers, first as a camper–and eventually as a counselor and staff photographer at YMCA Camp Cosby in Alpine, Alabama, where he made lasting friendships. Kristian could often be found at the East Lake YMCA doing homework or playing pick-up basketball with friends. Kristian was slated to become the Teen Community Engagement Representative on the East Lake YMCA Board of Directors.
As of this writing, Kristian had been accepted to the following colleges and universities: Georgia State University, Winthrop University, UMASS Boston, Pace University, New York Institute of Technology, and North Carolina Central University.
Kristian was kind, funny, thoughtful, silly, and exceptionally caring. He is loved immensely and is missed profoundly by his mother, Kristi; his two older sisters, Olivia and Madeline, and countless family members and friends. Notably, the number of people in Kristian’s life who helped raise him is too great to list here. This amazing collection of people showed up in big ways and in small ways, in every facet of Kristian’s life, which embodies the true definition of a loving, compassionate, and generous community.
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During football, Rich met Kristian and so many others. They played for hours and then wanted to walk to the store. Rich begged to go, but I was reluctant. By then, I had been introduced to Kristi who introduced me to her beloved Kristian who stepped in and assured me that they would look out for him. My intuition let me know that I could trust them (him), and I am so glad that I did.
At the store, Rich wanted cupcakes but didn’t have money. Kristian came to the rescue and bought them for Rich. That small gesture meant the world to the new kid on the block! Inclusion made him feel a strong sense of belonging and made my decision to buy the house easy. On many occasions, Kristian encouraged Rich with words of wisdom and affirmation, and even offered to take him to basketball games.
Kristian apparently learned from his mother that we must be mindful of the little things because one day we might realize that they mattered most. We are eternally grateful. Kristian’s generosity and kindness remain so cherished that Rich went to get Kristi the same type of cupcakes to share our condolences. I am so glad that I (we) trusted Kristian on first meeting. He was that kind of person. They forged a bond that brightened Rich’s countenance every time we saw Kristian walk by.
We love you, Kristi. Thank you for sharing Kristian with us — he will always be present in our hearts. We are praying and holding space for you and your daughters. 🙏🏾🤲🏾🙏🏾
Our family will never forget the kindness that Kristi, Kristian, and their family showed us. Kristian was a warm jovial natural leader—always lifting those around him. We are better for having known him, and his spirit will forever remain in our hearts.
As a new teacher at Drew, Kristian made me feel welcome from day one. He always greeted me by name, asked how my year was going, and somehow knew when I needed a smile. His kindness and warmth made a lasting impact.
Not long ago, I told Kristian that I hoped my son would grow up to be like him—poised, confident, and able to speak in front of large audiences with ease. Public speaking is a rare skill, yet he made it look effortless. I’m so grateful that I had the chance to tell him personally how phenomenal he was during Drew Charter’s coronation ceremony. He had a natural ability to command a room with grace and confidence.
Kristian’s presence will truly be missed, but his legacy of warmth, charisma, and excellence will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

The following is a more recent memory I haven’t yet shared. Not too long ago he was driving me down Glenwood Ave when there was a traffic slowdown near Publix. As we got closer we saw a car stopped in the right lane with the driver’s door open wide. The rear hatch was up and groceries had spilled out the back. Cans of cola were rolling in the street. In my mind I was just starting to think “Oh, I bet the hatch wasn’t fully closed before that person drove out into traffic, I wonder if they need help,” when I realized that Kristian had already pulled over and was getting out of the car to help. I hurried to follow him, bursting with pride at how he’d jumped into action to do the right thing while I was still stuck in my head. We both helped the driver scoop up the groceries, and I was a little annoyed that the driver said “thanks” to me and not to Kristian, who had actually done most of the work! When we continued our drive I told Kristian how proud I was of him, and how annoyed I was at the driver. He gave me a little smile and said something like “We’re all doing the best we can.” That may be true for most of us, but I still think Kristian consistently went above and beyond.
We miss you and we love you, Kristian.

It has taken me almost 2 weeks before I could sit down to share my thoughts about Kristian.
This amazing and beautiful young man…
Ripped away from us all…
I’m still crying as I write these words, so flooded with emotions…
I first met Kristian when I had the privilege of being his baseball coach at Medlock Park, where he played alongside my youngest son Aidan.
What Kristian lacked in actual on-field experience, he more than made up for in his focus and dedication to becoming the best baseball player he could be. He was the kind of kid that all of us coaches dream about- he wanted to carry the team on his back! He strove to achieve and be his best and do his best, but NEVER at the expense of others. He always strove WITH his teammates. And for his teammates. He made all the other boys around him better. He was a leader. Even if he wasn’t the top player on the team, he put his ego aside to be there for his teammates. His booming voice of encouragement to others was a constant companion to us all. Whether our team was at bat or in the field, he congratulated each player for any positive contributions they made, and he consoled and lifted up his teammates for any less-than-helpful plays or strike-outs. It wasn’t cheerleading. It was so much deeper and heart-felt than that. When Kristian was around, everyone felt better: lifted up, a little, more confident, happier. He was a true leader.
I think of Kristian as a force of change. He had the qualities of integrity, empathy, and an inner compass that directed his path. I used to drive Kristian home from practices, and I loved listening to Kristian and Aidan talking about sports, our team, and life. Every parent who has ever had the opportunity to be a fly on the wall as their kid gets deep into conversation with their friend knows that they are receiving a priceless gift. The way they spoke with both insights and respect of fellow players was so genuine. I was so happy for Aidan to get some of Kristian’s energy as they warmed up in the backseat on the way home from a cold night on the baseball field. Kristian was exactly the kind of friend I wanted to support Aidan to be around. Not just because they had in common their love for talking about and watching and playing sports. It’s always wonderful for our boys to find common ground. But so much more than that, it was Kristian’s authenticity, kindness and articulation that spoke, and I know it spoke to Aidan too. He also cherished his friendship with Kristian.
A day has not gone by that I haven’t thought of Kristian. I will forever deeply miss this magical young man, and we all know that the world had been robbed of seeing all of the positive force he was about to unleash on the world. I want to believe that every time a boy at Medlock Park shouts words of support and encouragement to his fellow team mate at bat, Kristian will hear it and his beautiful smile will shine down on us all.
In my Jewish faith, we honor those who have passed with the Hebrew “zichrono livracha”, which translates to ‘may his memory be a blessing”. In his short life, Kristian was a blessing to us all, and his memory will absolutely continue to be so.
This loss is heavy, almost too heavy to carry, and the world feels dimmer without him in it. It’s a reminder of how fragile life can be and how deeply we need to hold space for one another.
To his family, friends, and everyone who had the honor of knowing him: your pain is shared, and your grief is seen. His impact will ripple far beyond his time here, and we’ll continue to celebrate his light, even in his absence. Rest well, young king. You are loved, always.
We honor his memory by being kind to others.
I can definitely say he made the biggest impact on many of our lives. He was my basketball manager for 2 years and when I say having him at practice was such a joy. He always catered to the team’s needs and my personal needs. He showed how selfless he was, always making sure we were okay. Me and Kris then managed together for the boys basketball team this school year. And he was the sweetest, funny, and caring soul ever and when I say having him was amazing I genuinely mean it. I miss his everyday, his smile made my day and his check-ups made me feel seen. I love you forever Kris, You are missed kiddo. Forever in my heart -Cristal
Our face time calls during COVID were the best. He always made me smile.
He was my favorite Camp Cosby counselor. I was a little afraid to go to camp because it was my first sleep away camp ever. But when I saw Kristian, I was no longer afraid. I gave him a big hug and I knew it would be a perfect week.
I wish I could hug him one more time.
But I know I can hug him with my heart whenever I think of him.
Clarence Owens



Service
Come celebrate the life and spirit of Kristian with us. This will be a time to share memories, laugh, cry, and connect with one another.
Feel free to wear whatever makes you comfortable. There’s no “right” way to be here, so we invite you to show up as you are.
Live streaming will be available.
Event details will become available on this page in the days leading up to the event.
We look forward to celebrating Kristian together soon, whether you join us live or virtually.
1509 S. Ponce De Leon
Atlanta, GA 30307
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If you would like to support our family in other ways, we appreciate gift cards for food/meals to our meal train (http://bit.ly/BuddFamily).
If you would like to contribute to final expenses, you can send your gifts with Venmo or ZELLE, and please add your name in the memo:
◦ Venmo: @Madeline-BuddPearson
◦ ZELLE: obuddpearson@gmail.com