Malibu resident Alejandro Callery Lluch died April 5 in his dorm room at Reed College in Portland, Ore. from an accidental heroin overdose. He was 18.
Lluch was born Sept. 4, 1989 in Silver Lake. He lived in Malibu for most of his life and whenever he returned from his many travels, he expressed his joyous appreciation for his hometown. A surfer, Lluch enjoyed the beach as well as the ocean view from the roof as he hosed down the brush during the fire season.
A history buff and passionate debater of social justice issues, Lluch relished a good argument. He was a prolific reader of history from an early age. He spent much of his leisure time basking in his garden with a heavy tome on the Ottoman Empire, Napoleon or Gene Wolfe fantasy.
Lluch once said, “I have spent my entire life reading anything I can get my hands on; books are my sanctuary.”
He also enjoyed soccer, ocean sports, “Rome-Total War” and Magic cards. Lluch was a shy boy, yet he was known for having a good sense of humor that sometimes led to good-natured mischief.
Lluch attended Point Dume Marine Science Elementary School, Viewpoint School and Concord High School. He was accepted by nine colleges and chose to attend Reed because he believed that it would enable him to “find a platform to reach out and speak out for those who do not have a voice.”
Lluch is survived by his parents, Louisa and Carlos; his siblings, Gabi and Barbara, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. A private memorial service is taking place this week.