Josh Howard, the owner and teacher of the Professional Karate School of America Dearborn and Southfield locations, passed away April 2. He was 22.

Dave Stinson, a close friend of Howard's, said that Howard was at the Parthenon Coney Island late Friday night with friends when he began to have trouble breathing. An ambulance was called and Howard was taken to the hospital, where he passed away early Saturday morning.

According to Stinson, Howard's death is believed to be related to a blood clot that formed due to complications from a broken leg he had sustained about a month ago. Howard had surgery performed on his leg and was using a wheelchair, but was still working at the PKSA schools he operated in Dearborn and Southfield, and had just taught a class to some of his students last weekend.

"He had the biggest heart of anybody you've ever met in your life," Stinson said. 

He shared that Howard had recently helped him and his fiance move into their new home.

"We painted the whole house and he painted one wall completely by himself," Stinson said. "I told her yesterday, that wall won't get painted ever again. That's Josh's wall."

Stinson added, "That wasn't my friend; that was my brother."

Funeral services will be held Tuesday at Kernan Funeral Home, located on 1020 Fort St. in Lincoln Park. A viewing for the family will be held from 10-11 a.m., with open viewing for friends and community members from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. The service will be held at 6 p.m.

Additionally, all Michigan PKSA locations will be closed on Tuesday in observance of the funeral.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to help cover the cost of the funeral. Donations can be made in person at the services on Tuesday. Information about where to send donations via mail is forthcoming.

A Facebook page has been set up in Howard's honor. Memories and photos may be shared there.