Soaring High: How a Fifteen-Year-Old Boy's Love for Airplanes and Faith Continues to Inspire

In quiet moments across California, family and friends gather to remember Benjamin Vo, a fifteen-year-old boy whose extraordinary mind and gentle spirit touched everyone who knew him. Known for his sharp intellect, Ben had an insatiable curiosity for solving complex problems, building software, and exploring cloud systems alongside his father. Yet among all his interests, nothing captured his imagination quite like the sky. Ben held a passionate love for airplanes, spending countless hours creating digital galleries, studying aviation, and even designing an imagined airline. His fascination was not merely technical; it was rooted in wonder and a deep appreciation for the beauty of creation. Photos from Ben's life capture a boy full of warmth and light. Whether posing in matching Top Gun shirts with his younger brother at the Great Wall of China, clinking glasses with his dad on a sunny summer outing, or smiling proudly in shiny new dress shoes at home, Ben brought joy to every moment. His family remembers a polite, respectful boy who listened carefully and cared deeply for those around him. Nine weeks after Ben's passing, his presence remains vividly alive in the hearts of his loved ones. His father recently shared a touching journal entry about walking through their neighborhood with Ben's younger brother. When asked how often he thinks of Ben, the younger brother admitted he thinks of him every single day, wishing they could still play video games together. The moment brought tears to his parents, reflecting the intense ache that accompanies missing a beloved son and brother. In the midst of grief, prayers continue to pour in from across the world. Loved ones and strangers alike have shared heartfelt messages online. One commenter said, "Fly higher into the sky, Ben," referencing upcoming commercial aircraft arrivals that Ben had eagerly anticipated. Another shared, "I miss you so much my son, my best friend, my gaming buddy. Please watch over our family." Ben's story also mirrors a rising national trend among young Catholics who are embracing prayer, sacred tradition, and community with renewed vigor. His family finds comfort in believing Ben now shares a special heavenly friendship with Saint Carlo Acutis—another young millennial saint who loved computers, died at age fifteen from leukemia, and dedicated his short life to serving God. Thousands of candles have been lit in Ben's memory as people seek consolation and offer intentions for his family. While the burden of loss remains heavy, Ben's light shines brightly through the love he gave and the soaring faith he modeled during his fifteen years on earth. The hosts of Remembering Benjamin explore this moving story and honor Ben's memory on the latest episode of the podcast.