Kwahiwi Edwards

Kwahiwi Edwards of Queens, New York, formerly of Mount Vernon, NY, passed away unexpectedly on June 13, 2026. He was 34 years old. Though born in Mount Vernon, Kwahiwi spent his first nine years in Jamaica, which he considered his home country. During those formative years, he delighted in playing marbles, flying kites, catching “janga” (crawfish) in the rivers, and roaming the countryside with his siblings and friends. Kwahiwi cherished those memories and often credited his deep and lasting love of nature to his early upbringing.

That love of nature followed him throughout his life. Kwahiwi regularly visited local parks in Mount Vernon and Queens, sitting for hours under the trees, by the streams and lakes, and just taking a “breeze out”. He avidly went fishing, going at least twice a week from spring through fall. He savored the rhythmic sounds of the water, the thrill of the catch, and the joy of sharing the experience with his brother and friends. He regaled everyone with stories of his catches and proudly shared photos of his fish-packed freezerand dinner plates heaped with fish prepared in every style imaginable.

Kwahiwi was equally passionate about football (soccer), music, and life’s simple pleasures. He often snuck out to play pickup soccer games during his teens and was a lifelong Arsenal fan. He spent hours listening to all genres of music and could talk about nearly any artist’s catalog. Kwahiwi’s genuine love for family and friends was the foundation of who he was. He cultivated deep, close-knit relationships and built community wherever he went. He maintained friendships from middle school well into adulthood and was open to new people. 

His infectious laughter, large and booming, drew grins from everyone, and is vivacious spirit made him the first on the dance floor at every party. Kwahiwi was the kind of person who showed up — he called regularly to check in, cracked jokes to shake you out of a bad mood, appeared at your door to take you out for a meal in celebration of a new job, a birthday, or even a breakup. He gave generously of his time and resources to support the people he loved.

Kwahiwi was hardworking and passionate about his career, representing natural foods, health, and specialty products for 12 years. In his last five years as a Territory Manager at Greenspoon Sales, he earned multiple promotions and won numerous company-wide top sales awards. He also co-founded a clothing brand and served as a brand ambassador and investor for another. Kwahiwi was also completing his undergraduate degree in Business Management at SUNY Empire State University.

He will be deeply missed. His loved ones find comfort in the many treasured memories he leaves behind. Kwahiwi will be remembered as a caring son, committed partner,loving brother, and a true friend. Kwahiwi is survived by his devoted parents, Rosa Williams (formerly Rosa Edwards) and Radcliffe Edwards; his loving partner of eight years, Tiffany Hoeffner; and his brothers and sisters: Davin Headed, Nykesha Smith, Everald Lindsay, Radcliffe M. Edwards, Jereri Edwards, Jamarla Edwards, Rashidi Edwards, Hadia Edwards, and Shaquana Edwards. He is also survived by many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.