SEBASTIAN Morel-Ferreira, a well-known fitness coach in Long Island City, passed away on Thursday at the age of 39 from the effects of a sudden heart attack suffered last week. Sebastian was a ubiquitous presence along the waterfront whose enthusiasm attracted a large following to his outdoor classes. Those classes swelled in size during the pandemic, and by all appearances he was the maestro of the Oval. His success reached the point that everyone in LIC knew, or knew of, Sebastian the fitness guru.
Sebastian lived in the Dutch Kills neighborhood with his husband Ryan Steinman, and in 2019 they welcomed their son Maximo. According to his obituary he was born in Paraguay and immigrated to New York City in 2008 in pursuit of his dreams, becoming a U.S. citizen in 2018.
Though I didn’t know Sebastian personally, I knew exactly who the friend conveying the news was talking about when she very emotionally shared it, his aura being so well established. He will be deeply missed here in Long Island City.
Sebastian Morel-Ferreira 1981 – 2021
People En Espanol Article On His Passing – he was well-known beyond LIC as well
Ravi says
February 20, 2021 at 2:28 pmThe world lost a tremendous human being. We met Sebastian this year at his workout group, The Pack. We are blessed to have spent a few hours a week with him. Ironically, the time spent with him was so inspirational not by his coaching of us but watching his interaction with others. He was so vibrant and engaging not only with his students but every person and child walking by the workout group. Children gravitated to him. His positive energy was infectious and such a spot of sunshine during the peak of the Pandemic. We are all better people to have spent that time with him a few hours every week and will always remember him and hope to live a life that he would approve and celebrate his legacy.
Sarah says
February 22, 2021 at 11:39 amThis is so shocking and such a loss. He was such a great, motivating person and just radiated positive energy. Even just being near his class on Saturdays at the oval I felt more motivated and happier. Such a tragedy.
“Get out there and do something amazing for yourself!”
Dena Boutsikakis says
February 24, 2021 at 12:44 pmI trained with Sebastian while he worked at NYSC in Manhattan. He got by mind and body ready for the NYC Marathon and several half marathons. Amazing instructor and friend. Still kept in touch with him and his LIC training events. I can’t believe he is no longer with us. I loved his positive energy and zest for life. I pray for his beautiful son and partner Ryan. May his memory be forever eternal.
no name says
February 26, 2021 at 10:33 pmI was shocked and saddened to hear of Sebastian’s death. I only trained with him a handful of times, but he had such energy and was such a full spirit. To know that someone so young, and in such shape could be taken from this life is so sad. I am so sad for the son he left behind and the husband who I am sure wakes up everyday missing him. My prayers go out to his family and each time i pass that circle of grass by the water i will think of Sebastian.