Austin Jacob Young

Austin Jacob Young passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the age of 31, at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was born on June 28, 1994, in Lansing, Michigan.

Austin was a loving, compassionate, and funny man whose smile could lift your spirits and whose laugh could thunder a room. He loved deeply and cared for others with his whole heart, always leading with kindness, compassion, and humor. He had a passion for art, music, fashion, and all things Hollywood. His style was unmistakably his-bold, expressive, and unforgettable-just like the way he lived his life.

A graduate of Grand Ledge High School, Class of 2012, Austin went on to work in the food service industry. After moving to Las Vegas, he found a job he truly loved at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. He took pride in his work, valued the relationships he built, and embraced both the responsibilities and challenges that came with it. He was proud to be back on his feet-living independently, contributing to his community, and staying close with family.

To know Austin, or “AJ” as many called him, was to love him.

He is survived by his parents, Richard and Tamberlyn Young; his brother, Justin Young, and sister-in-law, Kailee; his sister, Valarie Young (Lucas Brainard); his grandfather, William Brown; his nana, Peggy Brown; his grandmother, Margrus Kail; his step-grandfather, Jim Kail; and his step-grandmother, Mary-Lou Young. He is also survived by his uncle Mike Young and aunt Elizabeth Carey; his uncle Stephen Young and Aunt Missa (Melissa Young); his aunt Amy Parker and uncle Mike Parker; his uncle William Barrett Brown; his aunt Angela Gregg (Brian); his aunt Kristina Nuffer (Brian); many cousins, all of whom he loved spending time with, and many close, dear friends.

Austin is also survived by his guiding light in life, his grandmother– his Meme, Jacqueline Vance—who was his go-to for all things Hollywood and fashion, his partner in daily FaceTimes, and culinary companion.

Austin was preceded in death by his grandfather, Reginald Young.

As Austin would say, “The composure of my soul is harmonized by the sounds that travel into me.” His memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him, carried forward in the stories, laughter, and love he leaves behind.

A celebration of life will be held in July in Lansing, Michigan, with the date to be announced.