Declan Heaps

If you asked Declan, he would tell you he died on April 28, 2026 from injuries sustained in an accident caused by his lack of a fully formed pre-frontal cortex. Declan came into this world like a wrecking ball, five weeks early on May 29, 2014, to parents Sharadee Fleming and Dajun Heaps. To no one’s surprise, Declan could talk very early and had strong opinions about most things. Once he learned how to walk, he ran–he was not to be contained.

Declan was gregarious and had two speeds–asleep or full-throttle. There was very little middle ground with him. Declan was a social butterfly; he loved people and found his place with everyone he met. He never judged; he simply accepted people the way they were. Declan was kind and generous. If he saw someone who needed food or warmth, he wanted to help them, so we did. Declan had a strong sense of justice and often defended the underdog. He was an excellent teacher. He taught us the hilarity of a good, if ill-conceived, practical joke (smoking toilets, anyone?), “new math,” patience (ahem), and most of all, unconditional love.

Declan was intensely curious; he loved data and facts, everything from science and history, to Guinness World records for the farthest rubber chicken throw. He loved it all. Declan loved to research and learn. Once he became determined to solve a Rubik’s cube or land a scooter tailwhip he created notes for himself, memorized what he needed to do and practiced over and over again. Declan loved all things baseball–playing, watching, or studying its history and statistics. Oh, and the food. He loved the food.

A supernova is an explosion of a very large star in which the star temporarily gives off up to one billion times more energy than the sun. The explosion scatters heavy elements into space, remnants of which can persist for thousands of years. Declan was our supernova. He burned brightly and his impact on the world will last thousands of years.

Survived by his shattered parents; his notoriously bad/good dog Opal Louise Caroline; his grandparents Dave and Rhea Heaps; grandfather Sam Fleming (Janette); his Aunt Wallet, Natalie Fleming, (Mark Lafayette); his Uncle Trent (Sammy) Fleming (Kate); aunts Kolette Dontas and Danielle Dontas and his cousins Richie Fleming, Kayla Park, Drake Park, Gwen Park, Brinley Diaz, Ellie Terry-Dontas, and Evie Terry-Dontas. Predeceased by his Grandma Cereal, Carolyn Fleming, and his cousin, Nataya Fleming.

A Celebration of Declan’s short but meaningful life will be held on his birthday, May 29, 2026, at the new Bee’s stadium at 11111 Ballpark Dr. S. Jordan, UT 84009, from 5 to 8 pm. Ballpark food will be served. Please wear your favorite sports attire and/or your favorite crazy socks. Park in the lots on the West side of the stadium along Ballpark Dr. or Homeplate Dr. and enter through the Club and Suites entrance.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Best Friends Animal Society or the Roberto Clemente Foundation.