“Diana’s Miracle”: Jojo Hawatmeh

Joseph “Jojo” Iehab Hawatmeh was born on February 17, 2008. Born premature, Jojo was sometimes referred to in the family as “Diana’s miracle.”

He attended St. John the Baptist Elementary School, where he was involved in high school level classes and basketball. He took an interest in YouTube, basketball, and food. Something everyone noticed about Jojo was his happy energy. “He had this contagious smile,” Synowicki continued, “so when he smiled, it was like the entire room lit up.”

Another special feature about Jojo was his capability of being able to easily connect with others. “He had a special relationship with every person,” Meera Hawatmeh, cousin to Jojo, continued, “whether it was a handshake, a secret language, or a certain laugh. He was there in our lives for only positivity,” Hawatmeh said.

“Both of our angels were too young to go,” Hawatmeh continued. “Me and the rest of my family will continue to support their family and live up their name for the rest of our lives.” Thankfully, Yasmeen Hawatmeh, daughter to Diana, survived through this horrible experience and is in critical condition. “Yasmeen is fighting for her life to keep with us a little piece of both Aunty Diana and Jojo, because they were magnificent,” Hawatmeh finished.

The following day after the incident, the Skaggs Catholic Center honored Diana and Jojo and prayed for Yasmeen’s recovery with a rosary in the Grotto of Our Lady of Guadalupe. “It’s great to celebrate graduation and winning games and being in school plays—we all want that happy side of life—but what’s hard for young people is that it never gets easier in these moments where they are forced to confront situations like these,” Colosimo finished.

The Hawatmeh family invites those wanting to donate to make a contribution to The Road Home, the Homeless Shelter of Salt Lake, in lieu of flowers in memory of Diana and Jojo. All are welcome to donate by clicking here.