Haydn M. Sutherland's Obituary
SUTHERLAND, Haydn Michael, age 25, of Waynesville, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
After a courageous five-month journey with DIPG, a rare form of brain cancer, Haydn Michael Sutherland of Waynesville, Ohio, passed away on February 15, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. Haydn lived fully, with a deep passion for life, and left us far too soon at just 25 years old.
Haydn was born in Middletown on March 12, 2000, to Michael and Cathryn Sutherland of Waynesville. From beginning to end, Haydn was kind, bold, and absolutely hilarious. As a child, he loved making his family laugh, whether through made-up songs and dances or jokes he came up with on the spot. Even in his final days, he faced what was ahead with courage and humor, still finding ways to make others laugh. He was a daredevil on anything with two wheels, quick-witted, full of joy, and never hesitant to help the people he cared about.
Haydn attended Clinton-Massie High School and the Warren County Career Center, graduating in 2018 with his diploma and heavy equipment operator certification. He worked as a heavy equipment operator and pipe layer for Kelchner, where coworkers knew they could count on him to work hard and keep spirits high, singing and making jokes even on the hottest days.
Haydn’s life was centered around family, friends, and racing. He put 100% into everything he did, and this was especially true in fatherhood. He loved being a dad, and his daughter, Kinzlee, was his pride and joy. Nothing made him happier than spending time with Kinz, whether taking her to meet princesses at the Disney Castle, teaching her to ride a dirt bike, or watching a movie at home. Haydn was also a generous and loving son. He made time for his family, whether that meant sharing his love of food with his mom at a new restaurant or spending time with his dad and stepmom at the racetrack.
Haydn spent much of his life riding dirt bikes, beginning at just three years old when his dad first sat him on two wheels. As a teenager and young adult, he could often be found at the racetrack on weekends, surrounded by his motocross family: people he truly considered his own after racing alongside them for over a decade. Haydn never met a stranger and made people feel familiar right away, easily striking up conversations with his easygoing attitude and candid humor. While he was competitive on the track, off it he always found ways to make race day more fun for everyone around him. Over the course of his 14 years of racing, Haydn traveled to many states to compete and became an AMA multi-series champion.
Haydn is survived by his daughter, Kinzlee Anne Sutherland, and her mother, Alexis Carman; his mother, Cathryn Sutherland; his father, Michael Sutherland; his stepmother, Kayla Sutherland; his grandmother, Sharon Sheeley; his uncle and aunt, Alfred and Carrie Frye; his uncle and aunt, John and Lisa Clark; his aunt, Julie Sutherland-Shepard; his aunt, Angela Hitch; his uncle and aunt, Clayton and Jenna Sheeley; his uncle and aunt, Russell and Sheryl Sheeley; and many cousins who loved him dearly, including Cathryn Hodge and Clayton Sheeley, who were siblings to him. He is also survived by numerous close friends who became his chosen family. Haydn was a loyal friend, and his authenticity and kindness made everyone feel like they were his best friend.
Haydn was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Victor App and Warren Sheeley, and his grandmother, Linda App.
A celebration of life service will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville. Danny Lamb will be officiating. Burial will be at Miami Cemetery in Corwin. The family will receive friends from 10 am – 1 pm on Saturday at the funeral home. In addition to the services above, a celebration of life gathering will take place at the Waynesville American Legion following the burial. In keeping with Haydn’s wishes, all who are able are encouraged to arrive on their bikes. If desired, contributions may be made to Emily’s Light Foundation or The Cure Starts Now. Condolences at https://www.stubbsconner.com.
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