Liam Wachsman

Liam Wachsman ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Jerry Spears Funeral Home - Columbus on Mar. 15, 2026.It is with extreme sadness and broken hearts that we share the news of the passing of Liam Elliott Wachsman, who ventured into his next chapter the morning of March 13th, 2026.It's ironic that someone who fought so hard to enter this world could not fight off the demons that ultimately took his life.Liam came into the world September 18th, 1999 -- a full three months early -- to Father Mike, a Sports Journalist for Buckeye Sports Bulletin and Mother Stacey, employed at McGraw-Hill and a student at Otterbein College pursuing a degree in Elementary Education.The day Liam was born, was the OSU contest against the Ohio Bobcats –- the first home game in over 10 years that Mike,now Dad, missed -- faded into the background as it became apparent that our little one wanted to make a grand entrance.Liam weighed only 2 lbs at birth. He stayed in the NICU at Grant Hospital for 48 days before finally coming home for the first time at 4 lbs. and wearing a heart monitor. This set the precedence for his young life to come as a fighter and warrior for the under dog.His parents watched him continue to thrive facing so many challenges in his young life. Having to wear glasses at a year old, learning to walk with a walker, and finally walking on his own for the first time on Mother's Day, just 4 months shy of his second birthday -- which Mom thought was the best Mother's Day gift. Through all the physical challenges he faced, he always endured and came back swinging, to fight the next battle.As a child, Liam did not know what the word "stranger" meant. He would routinely talk to adults while out at the zoo or the mall or at restaurants, and he was always quick with a smile, as well as a heaping dose of curiosity. He was the same way as a barista at Starbucks -- a kind word for everyone, and nobody was a stranger.Liam -- who preferred to be known simply as L -- wanted to know about all of the world's secrets and tried his best to unearth them.Like his Dad, L loved to travel. Disney World, Philadelphia and Boston were some standouts, but by far he felt most alive and at home in New York City, and often stating the intention of moving there. He referred to it as his "spirit city". Whether strolling through Central Park, traversing the High Line or viewing the 9/11 memorial, he loved all of it. He enjoyed so many vacations, weddings, Bar Mitzvahs and Bat Mitzvahs to visit extended family in NYC and NJ. Liam was in his element in the Big Apple. He mentioned Amsterdam as a bucket list destination, and dad was more than willing to go along. It was only in the talking stages but will forever remain a dream unfulfilled.L graduated from Olentangy High School in 2018. He really enjoyed being in the choir in high school and it was something that made him proud and allowed him to stretch his wings and try something that required dedication and work. He had a small circle of friends to whom he was fiercely loyal, to the extent that he often put their needs above his own. He was a tireless advocate for the underdog and scorned those who tried to bully people.He was fiercely protective of his family, especially his little sister Sophia. Despite a three-and-a-half-year age gap, they were very close. Through childhood, driving to high school for the one year they attended together, to eventually being roommates in their first apartment as adults – they shared a ton. Sophia remembers that whenever she was hurt or crying L would try to cheer her up by being silly. She hurt her leg on a coffee table at the grandparents' house when she was five, and L gently smacked the table and said, "bad table." He always tried to make her laugh instead of crying, and she would always laugh. It shows just how great of a big brother he was, as well as how sweet and comforting he was as a person.Dad tried to raise L to be a football fan, but it didn't take. He did, however, love the Ohio State Buckeyes, and was over the moon when he got to attend a game in person, a 2016 battle against Northwestern (which the Buckeyes ended up winning narrowly). He loved walking the OSU campus and listening to stories about Dad growing up in the area.L loved "My Cousin Vinny," and would stop to watch whenever it was on, no matter where it was in the movie. He loved "Lilo and Stitch" and had a burgeoning collection of Stitch items, including cool slippers and a miniature which he attached to his suitcase for traveling. He loved the Beatles and Noah Kahan. He loved talking about recipes and watching cooking shows and baking brownies with mom – the latter was something he was the absolute best at, to the point that he was tasked with making them for family get-togethers. Spending time with Grandparents, Great Aunts, Great Uncles, Aunts, Uncles and many cousins was a favorite pastime. He really enjoyed spending time with family at the park, which included taking walks at Antrim Park and Highbanks Metro Park. He also loved our annual summertime putt-putt tournament as it was a chance to be together with extended family and have a little competitive fun.He loved his felines, Prince and Loki, and often considered them to be "better than humans are."As an adult living away from home we could not always see or know what was going on, though we did check in with him often to see how he was doing. The last year was especially tough -- he was supposed to accompany Dad and Sophia to London, but a health incident prevented him from going. Multiple health setbacks and a hospital stay took up much of the 2025 calendar, and in January of this year he said, "I'm not sure I want to do this anymore." When asked what "this" was, he said, "live like this." L admitted that he was merely existing rather than living, and that it was not fun.He hinted at fighting, which meant heading to OSU for a hospital stay. The words were great, but the actions did not match.The final few days were the toughest as we watched the strength ebb from his body and the desire to live leave his heart. He knew what was coming, and though he was scared he finally made some peace. He and dad were talking in what turned out to be a final visit on the 12th, and L was asked how he felt about things. He said he wasn't sure. Dad said through tears, "Will we be tremendously sad when you're gone? Yes. But will we talk about and remember you with profound love? Definitely." L extended his hand for support and held it for nearly five minutes.We learned that later that afternoon he spoke to the hospital chaplain and, after the usual spiel, told the chaplain, "I hope I made an impact on people."There is no question he did for this family.L is the one who made us parents, and Sophia a sister, and even though he is gone, that fact will never change. Every moment spent with him was treasured.L is preceded in death by maternal grandfather Steve Burdette, maternal grandparents Paula (Mike) Snyder, paternal grandmother Karen Wachsman. Is survived by parents Mike (Stacey) Wachsman, sister Sophia Wachsman. Along with Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and cousins. There will be a celebration of life at a later date.We were physically a family of four but now are only three. But in our hearts and minds we will always be a quartet.The sunrise no longer hits the same way, and this great big world seems a bit smaller and much, much emptier without Liam in it.It will now be time to live a new chapter in OUR lives as a family -- the first spanning the 26 years, five months and 26 days that L was with us, and the second starting now. However long this chapter may be, it will not be nearly as joyous and fulfilling as the first.Now that his pain and suffering is gone, our one wish is that L finally loves himself the way so many here on earth loved him.We are profoundly sad at the loss to our family but relieved that L's suffering and pain are over.We will see you again one day, L, and you can bet we will be ready with a huge hug and a desire for great conversation.We will love you forever.Fly high, Liam.In lieu of flowers we ask that a donation be made to your local mental health association chapter or the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD)Private family arrangements are being handled with JERRY SPEARS FUNERAL HOME with CREMATORY, 2693 W. Broad St.To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.