Edhat StaffAlexander Ricardo Braid, also known as Alex or Al to his colleagues, friends and family passed away on July 5, 2018. Alex was born July 7,1972, in Wellington, New Zealand, to John and Jovita Braid. He moved with his family to Santa Barbara, California in 1974. Alex was a Santa Barbara High School graduate. He worked as a Kirby salesman for many years. Alex enjoyed surfing, nature and being outdoors. He was a collector of many things, including rocks and driftwood. Alex was genuine, loving, humorous and kindhearted. He loved God and his family. Alex is survived by his mother Jovita Braid; 4 siblings, Reyna, Carolyn, Patrick and Carl; nephews, nieces; and his longtime companion Victoria Delgado. Alex is deeply loved and will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday July 21, 2018 at Free Methodist Church, 1435 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara at 12 pm. A paddle-out ceremony will follow at 2 pm.
Alex was a good friend!! He was my stepson’s best friend as well as the godfather of my step-granddaughter. Earlier reports on the internet indicated that Alex was suspected of elder abuse. The truth is that Alex was in a very problematic relationship with his elderly mother with whom he lived. Adult offspring who live with elderly parents often result in unhappy situations and Alex’s situation was no exception. The fact that Alex was arrested following an altercation with his mother caused him to be incarcerated by the Sheriff’s Dept. It was reported that the Sheriff’s Dept. said Alex was “uncooperative” at the time of his arrest and he was placed in a cell by himself. Within one hour he was found unresponsive in the cell and reported to have committed suicide.
How is it possible that someone who is in the custody of the Sheriff’s Dept. could commit suicide within one hour of being placed in a cell? It is my understanding that family members were told that it wouldn’t be advisable to view Alex’s body because of the gruesomeness. There are too many questions that need to be answered. Was the body disfigured due to a beating when Alex was “uncooperative”? Alex may have been depressed but it is hard for me to believe that he would have taken his own life. The Sheriff’s Dept.’s unwillingness to take better care of Alex causes me to believe there was gross negligence!