Imaan Grewal ‘18 passed away in December after a lengthy battle with cancer. While at IHS, Imaan was an active member of many communities—he was a member of Code Red, as well as the varsity football and baseball teams—and he touched the lives of countless friends, classmates, and teammates.
The joy that Imaan brought to others was on full display at a celebration of Imaan’s life on Saturday, January 12. The IHS cafeteria was packed with his family members, friends, and teammates, all of whom shared memories of Imaan and described the impact that he had on their lives. Members of the football team came in uniform to show their unity in light of the loss and to support Imaan’s family.
The Tattler wants to provide the IHS community with a chance to remember Imaan and his legacy as a giving teammate, a loyal friend, and a fun-loving individual. Below are some memories of Imaan from IHS students:
Joshua Kuplen ‘20: I was absolutely stunned when I heard about Imaan’s passing recently. Imaan was one of the funniest and most light hearted people I’ve come to know. He always had a positive attitude about everything, and was such a friendly person to talk to. I rode the bus with Imaan for many years. We would laugh and talk year after year together, about everything from sports to school; it was always better with him there.
Thank you for being a part of my life, Imaan.
Boston just lost their biggest fan.
William Just ‘20: When Imaan would walk onto the bus every afternoon, Josh Kuplen ‘20 and I would pester him about not going to Code Red. This usually sparked long conversations about what he had to do later in the day, and we all became very close friends through this.
Davina Barrett ‘19: Imaan always laughed at me doing weird things. He had a great smile. I never seen him mad ever in my life. I didn’t talk to him much but I knew he was a good person. He was always making jokes and trying to get laughs. His jokes sometimes were corny but I always tried to listen and laugh out loud.
Ren Hogg ‘19: I remember going to summer camp at the Codington Community Center with Imaan. Imaan, my brother, and I would play together in a fort that we were part of. Even though we were friends close to a decade ago, I still remember how infectious his smile was. After all these years we went our separate ways, but Imaan, I will always have you in my heart. Rest in Peace.
Renat Urazgildiiev ‘21: Last year, when I was just a rookie in Code Red, he was one of the most supportive veterans of the club. He had a great sense of humor and he used it well. He would help others, he would explain things, and most importantly, he was a great friend to all.
Prachi Ruina ‘19: We watched the Super Bowl in 2016 and 2017 together at our friend’s house and I remember Imaan was one of the only people who was really watching the game. He lightened up the whole room with his enthusiasm and his laugh and smile.
Emma Duell ‘22: I would always see Imaan at Code Red competitions with my older brother and he was always so happy and inclusive. He answered any and all questions about the robot or what was going on, and he was extremely kind.
Mollie Creagan ‘19: I did not know Imaan super well, but I just remember always seeing him smiling and full of energy in the hallways. I had a lunch period with him, and he would always be making his friends laugh. One of my friends who was close with him would always talk about how supportive and goofy Imaan was, and when I heard he passed away I was in shock. I truly couldn’t believe this person who I always saw as such a bright presence was dealing with something so painful, and yet, it seemed like he always seemed to put his friends’ happiness first. That was something so admirable that will always stick with me when I think about him.
Emma Hagen ‘20: I remember going to robotics competitions with Imaan, and anytime I would get stressed, he would give me a huge hug or let me punch his hands ‘till I calmed down. I also remember about a month before he passed away, we were talking and he told me, “You’re like my little sister and I miss you. I am so thankful to have you in my life.”
Donations in Imaan’s memory may be made to the Lymphoma Research Foundation, and to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Additionally, Imaan’s family encourages you to join a bone marrow transplant registry—it could save a life.