Paulicelli Sabino was trying to find his place in the community. He was a barber at Rebel Haus, a member of the leather community who competed in leather contests, and, above all, he was a kind friend.

He also struggled with mental illness and, over the weekend, took his own life. As the news spread across social media, messages of condolences began pouring in.

“Today was a day of remembrance for a friend,” said one friend, who asked not to be named so they could mourn privately.

Originally from Venezuela, Sabino was someone who was always looking out for others, even warning them if he had a “bad vibe” about something that was about to happen. Kyle Fulwider posted about his last encounter with Sabino. “I know I was one of your last appointments on Friday, I know you were hurting and upset. I never thought it would be this. Thank you for all the talks and advice over the years.”

“He was a very special man with a very creative mind,” his friend Kevin Clevenger said.

The news shook Eagle and the leather community. Gilbert “Lil Daddy” Guardiola, was Mr. Eagle 2023 and competed alongside Sabino. During a conversation with OutSFL, he remembered Sabino as a man with a big heart full of love for others.

Friends say he’s been a little “off” for a few months, which seemed to intensify in the past few days.

A GoFundMe page is raising money for his memorial and to return his remains to his mother in Venezuela. “Sabino’s heart always remained in Venezuela, with his beloved mother. His love for his mother was so profound,” Christopher Berg said. “His passing is a stark reminder of the unseen battles many face, and our hearts are broken with the loss of such a bright and compassionate soul.”

Others are working on a Celebration of Life for his friends in South Florida, but no details have been released.