Thanks Michael for always being that friend in who Megan could count on and for always offering a hand whether it was to prepare for a house party or a move you were always ready to help out, Megan will miss you dearly and as will we,  even so we aren’t in Arizona we want to extend our deepest condolences to your family and friends, you are all in our thoughts and prayers for peace and healing after such an unfortunate loss.

I will miss our hugs, our jokes, and our laughs 🤍

Michael always showed up for the people he cared about no matter how far he had to travel. Even when Michael was away at UOFA he still supported me at graduation, competitions, and birthdays . I will miss you so much but know that you will continue to look after me and everyone else from heaven. 🩵

Don and Dora, 
We were so saddened to hear of Michael’s passing.  We will always remember Michael for his infectious smile. He always had a big smile to share and something kind to say whenever we saw him in the neighborhood. Praying the memories will bring you peace, lift your spirits, and warm your heart.
God bless your family during this difficult time.
Mike and Nancy Anderson family

I love you always!! 
Thanks for always being my “extra son”.

Words cannot express how sorry we are to hear about your Michael’s passing. I read your posts throughout his struggle. I remember when are boys played baseball together. That’s where we met. Those were such great times. Please know I will continue to pray for you and your family. God Bless you all! 🙏🏻♥️

Such a Beautiful, Happy Soul! He is very missed by our family

First time I met THE LEGEND was during our first ever Twitch Con together back in 2022. Legend arrived later that day and everyone that was already there decided to go eat and drink. After a night of drinking we decided to head back to the AirBNB. Our "driver" came and to those that didn't know Legend at the time just thought he was our Lyft driver. 5 minutes into the drive we were like "OH WAIT, AYO THATS LEGEND!!" some of us were like "NO ITS NOT, ITS JUST ANOTHER LYFT DRIVER" after a closer look we all were like "it is, ITS LEGENNNNNNNNNNNDDDD!!!!" busted out laughing in shock with excitement. I'll never forget that moment. 

There was never a dull moment when he was around. His energy was always lively and the vibes were always great. If ever there'd be a down moment he'd find a way to lighten the atmosphere. I will miss seeing him dance across the house and his random freestyle raps which he would do sometimes with my amateur beat box. 

I'm glad I've met you man, I'm happy to call you my friend and even a brother. You always had the heart to watch over and protect us, although the heavens has gained a wonderful angel,  I know you'll still be watching, protecting and guiding us all from up there. 

Rest in Paradise, Love you Brother!!

Although I only had the pleasure of working with Michael for several months at the Tucson Big 5, we ended up having some lovely conversations together and I'm very thankful that I got to know him better during that time. I was a homesick Californian who had moved to Tucson in Fall of 2019 to start college at the University of Arizona. Michael's clever humor, entertaining sarcasm, and genuine kindness truly left a positive impact on my time there, helped me feel more at home, and it actually made me look forward to a shift at Big 5. We never got a chance to hang outside of work but I'm glad we got to have some good times during our work sessions together. We would discuss everything from sports, music, & even the struggles of working retail. I know words aren't much during an incredibly difficult time like this but I offer my sincerest condolences to Michael's friends and family. I hope there's comfort in knowing you will have a beautiful reunion with him someday. Right now he's probably receiving an iconic performance from Prince up in Heaven and I'm sure he is already making new friends. He was that type of special person. I send all my love to you guys and will continue to keep the Sandoval family in my prayers.

My deepest condolences to the Sandoval family. Michael was always full of laughter, jokes, smiles, and knowledge. We lived in the same dorm hall in 2017 and since the first day we met, he’s always been friendly and lighthearted. Although we werent very close, I will forever cherish the time we spent with our college friend group. I pray he is now resting peacefully and watching over his loved ones. You will be greatly missed, Michael, my “one day away bday friend”. 💛

Michael was an incredible person. He had an infectious energy that commanded attention every time he walked in a room. Any time he was around, it was all smiles. I’ve never known someone so positive and loving to anyone his path crossed. I feel lucky to have known him and been able to share some beautiful memories with him. We worked together for a few years at the Cheesecake Factory and I can speak for our entire work family in saying this loss hits hard. My deepest sympathy to his family as they navigate this impossible loss. I find solace in knowing he has found eternal peace and his soul is at rest. Michael, you will be deeply missed and your legacy will not be forgotten. Thank you for the incredible memories and the impact you have left on all of us.

Michael was one of the first people that I got the opportunity to play with at UA's gaming club, when I joined in my freshman year. Although we didn't talk much after that year, the times I played with him still have a special place in my heart. Michael was so fun to talk to and play with, and I feel lucky that I had the chance to meet him. I remember the funny stories he used to tell us when we played, and how he always lightened the mood with his humor and enthusiasm. Unfortunately, I never had any idea that he was suffering from cancer until today, but I have no doubt that he continued to shine bright in others' lives until his final breath.

I never grew up with an older brother but I would say michael was definitely the closest I have had to one, he would always be looking out for me. I have many fond memories with michael, but one  I remember during the week before my anatomy practical he would quiz me at work, it just truly shows his kindness and how he went out of his way to help anyone. He had the brightest smile that would light up a room. But truly I have just always appreciated michael for being there  for me and cheering me up when I have needed it the most. I’m going to miss Michael’s big bear hugs there was nothing like them. <3 sending all my love

This is when we ran into the Sandovals at Legoland.  Michael was the sweetest young man with the greatest smile.  Whenever we ran into him, at Legoland, Dave & Busters, a UofA football game, it was always a  pleasure.   We miss him so much already.  We are sending all our love your way.  May the wonderful memories of Michael comfort you in this difficult time.
Mark, Tina, Grant & Sadie

Michael was one of the only few people to ever talk to me as a quiet kid in school. He was always positive and funny and he never failed to put a smile on the faces of those around him. I’ll never forget his kindness

Michael’s 25th birthday and a memory of his sweet smile. Lots of love & prayers!

Honored to know such a real guy. Selfless & genuine. The best kind of spirit. I love you SandyBalls - Erv

Michael "Legend" Sandoval. 

We met gaming online and Michael always had the best energy and attitude even towards everything and I always had such a great time laughing and bonding when we were escaping reality for a bit playing video games. I will never forget about our talks and banter of High School Football and that one day we would catch a game together. Fly high and save me a spot up there big man!

To Michael’s Family: My dearest sympathies to you all. I had the greatest pleasure of meeting Michael in junior high where we instantly became friends. He always knew how to make me smile even when I didn’t think a smile was possible. 

In high school and onwards, we have always tried to keep close in touch. I shared the memory of math class in HS - we had such a fun time together - and it just shows how genuine, kind-hearted, and selfless Michael was. He was always willing to give me a shoulder to cry on or lean on. My heart is with you all during this time. 

To Michael: I know you will continue looking over the ones you love. My heart aches a little harder knowing that you won’t be sending me anymore Snapchat memories or that I won’t be running into you when I’m out running my errands. I had the greatest pleasure of being your friend and will forever cherish that. Rest peacefully.

Every day in math class, Michael and I made it a series to take a Snapchat everyday. We had so much fun with it and I’m pretty sure we complained every day in that class….nonetheless, Michael always knew how to make someone feel like the most important person in the room, especially me. Such a kind soul that will be missed. Thank you for always being a friend, I’ll always be thinking of you.

This warm and happy smile will always be remembered

My deepest sympathies. Michael was a generous soul and I always loved his positive approach to life. Never once can I remember him without a smile or sharing laughter with us all. From the classroom to the locker room to the times spent off campus, Michael was always abundant of good energy. I cherish our time on this earth, and I am grateful and blessed to have had him apart of such an important time in my life. Again, I and sending love, strength, and prayer to this family. Words cannot convey the sadness I feel for your loss.

Michael was a great guy. May he rest in peace💙

Michael was the sweetest person I ever knew in high school. Michael and I met while working at iHOP and grew very close; he was such a great friend to me. I will always remember how much he made me laugh and smile because Michael’s smile was so contagious and bright.  

Sending everyone who had the pleasure of having Michael in their life my deepest condolences. He will be deeply missed. 

Michael, thank you for your friendship and memories. I hope you are resting peacefully 🤍

Ill miss those zoom calls, and coffee dates we had i owe my achievements to you sir.

Michael and I were never close friends, but he would always shoot me the brightest smile in every class we had together or every time we passed by in the hallways as he would greet me. He always knew everyone's name and made everyone feel welcomed no matter what. He was empathetic, kind, and helpful. I was always thankful when I would have a class with him because it meant there was a friendly face to see. I always appreciated his smiles and his kindness, and I will always think of that smile as I remember him.

Sending endless prayers.

Always had the biggest smile in the room, an energetic presence that just latched onto anyone by him and made you feel good about anything going on around you. That smile will live on through his family because they are also bright, loving and a great family.

My Dear Friend Dora...I'm so very saddened by the loss of your loving son. There are no words. May God place his loving arms around you and your family
in the days ahead. 
Yvette Davis 😢 🙏

A photo from our kindergarten graduation. Sending my thoughts and prayers to Michael’s family❤️

My sweet Michael! Mijo, thank  you for always being so sweet to me, from the very first day I met you. I love your crazy personality and awesome smile, it was so contagious. You treated me more like a Tia than your mom’s friend. You will be greatly missed, until we meet again. I know you are definitely an angel in heaven.  Please take care of your family and watch over them.  I know you ran into your Nana’s arms when you saw her again, what a beautiful vision! I can just imagine her smile when she held you. ❤️ Love you always Mijo, Tia Maryna

Sandoval was an amazing kind heart person. I worked with him at Cheesecake Factory for a few years and he was so uplifting and his smile and dimples brightened up a room! He would always talk of his love for baseball, football and his mother! He was truly a beautiful soul and will be missed beyond measure! He had a way of making you feel good about yourself even when he wasn’t having a good day! I pray for his families strength as a mother myself I can’t imagine the pain! May his soul rest in eternal peace.

OBITUARY

Michael Anthony Sandoval

November 6, 1998 – February 14, 2024

Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Past Services

Visitation

Funeral Service

Graveside Service