In Memoriam
Lives Lost to Anti-LGBTQ and Intimate Partner Violence
Though we strive to share stories of joy and resiliency, we must also honor and mourn those we have lost to violence. We hold their lives in our memory as we continue to fight violence in our lives and in our communities. Below are the names of the lives we have lost to anti-LGBTQ violence this year so far. Those who have a purple ribbon by their photo were lost as a result of intimate partner violence. For two decades of national reports on violence in and against LGBTQ communities, please visit our reports page.
NCAVP works to prevent, respond to, and end all forms of violence against and within lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) and HIV-affected communities. If you need support in these difficult times or are experiencing violence, you can reach out to your local NCAVP member or call our free bilingual national hotline at 212-714-1141. NCAVP is a national coalition of local member programs and affiliate organizations who create systemic and social change.
2023
Chanell Perez Ortiz, an Afro-Latina transgender woman in Carolina, PR, is mourned by her family and friends. According to her stepmother, she was a talented cosmetologist and a “very special person.”*
*Translated from Spanish
Tavon Silver, a Black man in New York, NY, is mourned by his family and friends. Originally from Connecticut, Tavon found his happiness in New York, according to his friend, Amy Walker. “He changed his whole style. He didn’t want to be the same as everybody else. ‘If this is my style, I’m gonna rock my style.'”
Ashia Davis, also known as Asia, a Black transgender woman in Detroit, MI, is mourned by her family and community. She loved her Yorkie, Clyde, and had just finished nursing school. Her brother, Alantae Martin, recalls, “She was ready to take on the world, and she was ready to help. And she was ready to care for others, and she was ready to give back to her community.”
Banko Brown, also known as Banko Paso, a Black transgender man in San Francisco, CA, is mourned by his friends and community. Banko had been involved with the Young Women’s Freedom Center since the age of twelve, where he was most recently an Organizing Intern. The organization’s co-executive director, Julia Arroyo, recalled, “He reached my heart. He really did reach my heart. He was so funny and he was bold too, he knew what he was striving for.”
Rasheeda Williams, also known as Koko Da Doll, a Black transgender woman in Atlanta, GA, is mourned by her family and friends. Koko was a rapper and took part in an award-winning documentary that followed the lives of several Black trans women. Her family recalls, “Koko had a heart of gold and spread nothing but love and light to those she came across.”
Ashley Burton, a Black transgender woman in Atlanta, GA, is mourned by her family and community. Her brother remembers, “Ashley was very loved all the way across the board… the way my sibling moved in life, it was…take it or leave it. This is how I am. You can respect it or neglect it, but Ashley put it out there and let that person know. It’s not going to be a secret.”
Clay Stephens, a gay man in Lawton, OK, is mourned by his family and friends. His grandfather, Robert, Brock, remembers, “He was very outspoken, he was funny, he was Clay.”
Tasiyah ‘Siyah’ Woodland, a Black transgender woman in Lexington Park, MD, is mourned by her family and friends. Her sister, Ty’aliyah Woodland, remembers “She was one of a kind. She had no filter. She told you what it was and what it wasn’t, and nobody liked that. I mean, she was the true definition of living life to the fullest.”
Cashay Henderson, a Black transgender woman in Milwaukee, WI, is mourned by her family and community. She was involved with trans-led organizations SHEBA and the Black Rose Initiative, and her cousin, Veronica Beck, remembers her “as beautiful as can be, inside and out.”
Zachee Imanitwitaho, a Black transgender woman in Louisville KY, is mourned by her family and friends. Born in Rwanda, Zachee immigrated to the United States in 2019 and got a job at a meat packing facility. One of her coworkers remembers, “she was a very kind person, always loving people and helping people.”
Deandre Matthews, a Black gay man in New York, NY, is mourned by his family and friends. According to his family, he enjoyed driving and playing video games and had studied criminal justice at SUNY Broome Community College, planning to become a social worker.
Unique Banks, a Latina transgender woman in Chicago, IL, is mourned by her family and community. Unique grew up in Chicago and was interested in makeup artistry.
Maria Jose Rivera Rivera, a Latina transgender woman in Houston, TX, is mourned by her community. Maria Jose was originally from El Salvador, and Cristian Sanchez, her immigration lawyer and Supervising Attorney at RAICES Texas, always looked forward to their meetings and remembers her as “lively, funny, and dynamic.”
Tortuguita, an Indigenous, queer, non-binary person in Atlanta, GA, is mourned by their family and friends. They are of Tomoto-Cuica descent, an Indigenous Venezuelan. Tortuguita was an activist and a forest defender, remembered as “the biggest light in any room they entered.”
KC Johnson, a transgender woman in Wilmington, NC, is mourned by her friends and family. According to her social media, she loved playing guitar, camping, and arcade games. She recently shared a quote by e.e. cummings, “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.”
Jasmine “Star” Mack, a Black transgender woman in Washington, D.C., is mourned by her family and friends. Her sister, Pamela Witherspoon, said in an interview, “She loved everybody. Most of all I’m going to miss her saying ‘I love you sister, I love you.’”
2022
Caelee Love-Light, a Latina transgender woman in Phoenix, AZ, is mourned by her friends and community. According to her friend, Ana Luthien Lisbeth Keathley, “She was hyperlexic… she enjoyed learning something new every day,” and she “passionately defended nonbinary and trans folks.”
Mar’Quis Jackson, a Black transgender man in Philadelphia, PA, is mourned by his family and friends. Known as “MJ” to his friends, he was an LGBTQ+ advocate, and his twin, Sharree Harvey, remembers him as “full of life and love.”
Destiny Howard, a Black transgender woman in Macon, GA, is mourned by her family and community. She grew up in Macon and graduated from Westside High School in 2019. Destiny had five siblings and loved fashion, according to her family.
Shahere Jackson-McDonald, a Black transgender woman in Philadelphia, PA, is mourned by her family and community. She was known to her family and friends as “Diamond,” and is remembered as “a loving person” and “the life of the party.”
Derrick Rump, a gay man in Colorado Springs, CO, is mourned by his family and friends. He is remembered by his family as someone who “would go out of his way to lift someone’s spirits, put a smile on their face.”
Kelly Loving, a white transgender woman in Colorado Springs, CO, is mourned by her family and friends. Her sister, Tiffany Loving, remembers, “She was loving, always trying to help the next person out, instead of thinking of herself. She just was a caring person.”
Daniel Aston, a white transgender man in Colorado Springs, CO, is mourned by his family and friends. His mother remembers him as “always happy and silly” and the kind of person who “lit up a room.”
Tiffany Banks, a Black transgender woman in Miami, FL, is mourned by her family and friends. According to her family, she loved singing and dancing and “would give and do anything to help a person in need.”
Semaj Billingslea, a Black transgender man in Jacksonville, FL, is mourned by his family and friends. His father, Tahlmage Billingslea, remembers him as “larger than life” and continued, “This child is loved. Whoever did this, you will see. Somebody out here will see you, they will know you. It will happen to you – you will be put in jail.”
Regina Allen, known to her friends as Mya, a Black transgender woman in Milwaukee, WI, is mourned by her friends and community. She was a member of SHEBA, and is remembered as full of laughter and joy.
Dede Ricks, a Black transgender woman in Detroit, MI, is mourned by her family and community. Unfortunately, not much is known about her life at this time. According to her obituary, she was “full of life and will be deeply missed by everyone.”
Acey D. Morrison, an Indigenous Two-Spirit person in Rapid City, SD, is mourned by her family and friends. She is remembered in her obituary as a “kindhearted, down to earth, joyous, respectful, and loving soul.”
Marisela Castro, a Latina transgender woman in Houston, TX, is mourned by her friends and family. She is remembered as “bright and sunny” by her friend Jorge Luis Lizardo and had been looking forward to celebrating her 40th birthday in August.
Hayden Davis, a Black transgender woman in Detroit, MI, is mourned by her community. Unfortunately, not much is known about her life at this time, but it has been reported that she was interested in fashion and cosmetics.
Kandii Redd, also known as Kamila Marie Swann or Dee Dee, a Black transgender woman in Kansas City, MO, is mourned by her friends and family. She was named ‘Black Tgirls Model of the Year’ in 2014, and was just 5 months away from her 30th birthday.
Keshia Chanel Geter, a Black transgender woman in Augusta, GA, is mourned by her family and friends. Her mother, Michelle Jordan, said she was someone who “always made me laugh” and shined “bright like a diamond.”
Martasia Richmond, a Black transgender woman in Chicago, IL, is mourned by her community. Tori Cooper, Human Rights Campaign Director of Community Engagement for the Transgender Justice Initiative shared, “It is evident in the countless tributes from friends that Martasia Richmond was well-loved and taken from us far too soon.”
Jasper Aaron Lynch, a white transgender man in McLean, Va., is mourned by his family and community. According to his obituary, he was a “talented writer” whose “wit and ability to turn any moment into hilarity was a gift.”
Cherry Bush, a transgender woman in Los Angeles, CA, is mourned by her family and community. Not much is known about her life at this time, but her brother, Bob Bush, shared on social media, “To my oldest friend… and the ultimate anti-hero. I love you… and I miss you.”
Kitty Monroe, a Black transgender woman in Memphis, TN is mourned by her friends and community. She is remembered as a “beautiful person,” and constantly showed her love for her Yorkies on social media.
Shawmaynè Giselle Marie, a Black transgender woman in Gulfport, MS, is mourned by her friends and community. She worked for four years as a Personal Care Assistant, and for the last seven months as a Registered Nurse’s Assistant. She is remembered as very friendly and kind.
Brazil Johnson, a Black transgender woman in Milwaukee, WI, is mourned by her family and friends. According to her mother, the kitchen was the place where Brazil felt safe, and she could “do it all.” When she was younger she worked with Diverse & Resilient, who remember her as “sweet and kind.”
Chanelika Y’Ella Dior Hemingway, a Black transgender woman in Albany, NY, is mourned by her family and community. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Albany and recently received a Spellman Academic Achievement Award.
John Umberger, a gay man in New York, NY, is mourned by his family and friends. He was a political consultant in Washington, D.C. and according to his obituary he also taught Gyrokinesis, produced yoga mats, and had “boundless creativity.”
Maddie Hofmann, a Korean transgender woman in Malvern, Pa., is mourned by her family and community. She was born in Korea but grew up in Vermont and New Jersey, and is survived by her wife, Rebecca Hofmann, and two children ages 3 and 9.
Nedra Sequence Morris, a Black transgender woman in Opa-locka, FL, is mourned by her family and friends. Over 100 people attended a vigil where her cousin spoke, “We pray that God speaks to us, we don’t go out with a vengeance, that we know justice will be served.”
Sasha Mason, a Latina transgender woman in Zebulon, NC, is mourned by her family and friends. She is remembered by many on social media as a kind, sweet, and generous person.
Ray Muscat, also known as Ray_graveyard, a white transgender man in Oakland County, MI, is mourned by his family and friends. He loved anime and cosplay, and is remembered as a “kind soul who had a glowing smile that was contagious…”
Julio Ramirez, a Latino gay man in New York, NY, is mourned by his family and friends. A friend shared on social media, “To put it simply, you were my brother, my confidante, my best friend. I have always loved you. You will never be forgotten.”
Fern Feather, a white transgender woman in Morristown, VT, is mourned by her community. Her friends have been showing an outpouring of love for her online, remembering her as a “bright and kind soul.”
Ariyanna Mitchell, a Black transgender woman in Hampton, VA, is mourned by her family and friends. According to her family, “Ariyanna loved dancing and styling hair. She was truly unique, funny, and loved by everyone. There was never a dull moment when Ariyanna was around.”
Miia Love Parker, a Black transgender woman in Philadelphia, PA, is mourned by her community. “Friends remember Miia Love Parker as a brilliant light that brought joy into every room she entered,” according to Tori Cooper, the Director of Community Engagement for the Human Rights Campaign’s Transgender Justice Initiative.
Kenyatta Webster, also known as Kesha, a Black transgender woman in Jackson, MI, is mourned by her friends and family. Her mother, Sharon Taylor, says ” she was loved. She had plenty of love. She didn’t deserve that… She’s gonna get justice.”
Kathryn Newhouse, known to her friends as Katie, a Filipino transgender woman in Canton, GA, is mourned by her community. She believed that everyone should “model best behavior in your own sphere, break down stereotypes, and speak out.”
Tatiana Labelle, also known as Tee Tee, a Black transgender woman in Chicago, IL, is mourned by her friends and family. Her sister Shameika Thomas, said, “I loved my sister, whether she was transgender or not, and I would like for me and my family to have justice.”
Paloma Vazquez, a Latina transgender woman in Houston, TX, is mourned by her community. She had recently moved to the U.S. from Latin America and was a member of the Organization for Latina Trans in Texas.
Cypress Ramos, a Latina transgender woman in Lubbock, TX, is mourned by her friends and community. She is remembered as “a friend, a sister, a daughter. Cypress was always smiling… She just loved everyone.”
Naomie Skinner, a Black transgender woman in Highland Park, MI, is mourned by her friends and family. She is remembered by her sister as leading a “fabulous life.”
Matthew Angelo Spampinato, a white transgender man in New Castle, DE, is mourned by his friends and family. His cousin, Morgan Hanners, says, “I want people to think of him as a human being who had a family, who had people that loved him. I would give anything just to be able to see him.”
Nohemí Medina Martínez, a Lesbian woman living in El Paso, TX, is mourned by her family and community. She married Yulizsa Ramírez in July of 2021 and is survived by her three children.
Yulizsa Ramírez, a Lesbian woman living in El Paso, TX, is mourned by her family and community. She married Nohemí Medina Martínez in July of 2021 and is survived by her three children.
Rory Teasley, a Black gay cisgender man, is mourned by his friends and family. Beloved in his hometown, for homemade meal services, Rory also made a name for himself on TikTok with over 260,000 followers celebrating his dance videos.
Duval Princess, a Black transgender woman, is mourned by her family and community. She was a talented hairstylist and is remembered by her cousin, Roneka Wells, as “our little firefly.”
Jorge Diaz-Johnston, a Cuban-American cisgender man and gay rights activist, is mourned by his community and survived by his husband. In 2014, Jorge and his husband joined the fight for marriage equality in Miami-Dade county, which led to Florida becoming the 36th state to overturn a ban on gay marriage.
Amäriey Lèį, a Black transgender woman also known as Myara, is mourned by her community and remembered as “a vibrant soul with a presence that filled every space she entered.” She was a member of a youth dance team and an artist apprentice with the Legacy Arts Project.
2021
Ke’Yahonna Stone, a Black transgender woman, is mourned by her family and friends. An activist and community advocate, she recently accepted a job at the Trans Solutions Research and Resource Center, and was known for opening her own home to the trans community.
Martina Caldera, a Latina transgender woman in Houston, TX, is mourned by her friends and family. She was “always smiling, singing, and laughing,” and “had a heart of gold,” according to a friend on social media.
Nikai David, a Black transgender woman, is mourned by her friends and community. She recently celebrated her 33rd birthday and dreamed of opening a clothing boutique.
Danyale Thompson, a Black transgender woman, studied at the University of Memphis. For her 35th birthday, she shared her gratitude on social media for the opportunity to “prosper, grow, and achieve once again.”
Angel Naira, a Black transgender woman, is mourned by her family and community. Her brother writes, “She had a big heart and would do anything for her family and friends.”
Marquiisha Lawrence, also known as Quii, is a Black transgender woman mourned by her community. Eboni Sinclaire, Lawrence’s chosen mother grieves, “She will forever be remembered by her infectious smile and her heart of gold.”
Jenny De Leon, a Latina transgender woman, is mourned by her family and community. Jenny’s sister remembers her as “a wonderful person with a beautiful soul who touched the lives of those around her.”
Rikkey Outumuro, also known as Tru Starlet, a Latina transgender woman, is mourned by her friends and family. One friend shared that she was, “an incredible advocate for the queer and trans community for nearly 20 years. Her uncle wrote, “Rikkey was many things. Daughter. Sister. Niece. Cousin. Mom. Advocate. Defender. Friend. And proudly trans.”
Jo Acker, a White transgender woman, is survived by a daughter and is remembered by her family as loving, kind, and the voice of reason. “I know she would have wanted to make everyone else safe,” says her partner, Ray Dawn.
Jessi Hart, a White transgender woman, is survived by a son and a daughter. Her friend, Audrey Savage, remembers, “She was intelligent and thoughtful and caring, and I loved her quirks.”
Mel Groves, a Black transgender man, was a student at Alcorn State University in Lorman, Mississippi, studying plant and soil science. He is mourned by his friends and community, who remember him for his “generous heart” and his extensive knowledge of plants.
Royal Poetical Starz, a Black transgender woman, is remembered as a talented singer. Her online obituary reads, “She left a lasting impression on everyone that she met. Her infectious smile and bigger-than-life personality brightened every room that she walked into.”
Kiér Laprí Kartier Solomon, a Black transgender woman, is mourned by her friends and family. “Everybody just loved who she was,” remembers friend DayVion Haggerty.
Geri Judd, also known as Phoenix Riversong, a white transgender woman in Bossier City, LA, is mourned by her friends and community. She is remembered as a committed activist, and she once shared on social media, “I believe that every person has good in them and if they can bring that good forward they will be much happier individuals. I do my best to help others where I can.”
Brianna Ulmer, also known as Brianna Hamilton, a Black transgender woman, is survived by her mother and three sisters. Her sister Janiece Lewis remembers her, “It was never going to be a dull moment with Brianna, she’d never let you down.”
Disaya Monaee Smith, a Black transgender woman, is remembered by her mother, Latrina Banks, “[She] loved to dress, she loved to party, she loved to cook, she loved to do her hair, she loved to take care of people.”
Zoey Rose Martinez, a Latina transgender woman, is mourned by her family. “Zoey had a beautiful spirit, she always had a smile and had only kind words to say about others,” they told HRC.
Pooh Johnson, a Black transgender woman, was originally from New Orleans. She worked as a makeup artist under the name Titanizer Mua, providing services to a growing clientele and community.
Coco Chanel Wortham, also known as Miss CoCo, a Black transgender woman, was known as a master cosmetologist and is survived by her sister, Summer “Diva” Rodriguez-White. She is remembered by Nu Trans Movement as “a well-known small girl with a big, bubbly personality.”
Shai Vanderpump, a Black transgender woman, is mourned by her friends and family. An online obituary remembers Shai as having a “heart of gold.” Garden State Equality – an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization based in New Jersey – also described Shai as a “fierce LGBTQ advocate.”
Taya Ashton, a Black transgender woman, is mourned by her family and community. Her aunt, Diamond Anderson, remembers her as a go-getter, “a full-circle type of person” who single-handedly “manifested any and everything.” She dreamed of one day having her own clothing store and was saving up money to buy a Tesla.
EJ Boykin, also known as Novaa Watson, a Black transgender man, was studying at Morgan State University. He is remembered by longtime friend, Torri Chippe, “He was one of those people that was just good vibes and energy.”
Tierramarie Lewis, a Black transgender woman, is mourned by her community. “A great kindness shone through her soul, along with an energy to thrive in this world – the same energy that spun her around the room in dance, in laughter, and in smiles. She rejoiced in her life,” said Eliana Turan, Director of Development at The LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland.
Cris Blehar, a White transgender woman, is a veteran of the United States Air Force. She is mourned by her family and is survived by her son, Maverick Thompson. According to her obituary, she loved bowling and animals.
Oliver “Ollie” Taylor, a White transgender boy, is remembered and mourned by his family and community as “an amazing child with a quirky sense of humor, who impacted so many people.”
Poe Black, an Indigenous transgender man, is remembered by his friends and family as an artist and activist. He was “a young, beautiful soul,” according to his cousin Lori Brammar.
Serenity Hollis, a Black transgender woman, is survived by her mother and two sisters. “The person that’s responsible has no idea what they took from us, absolutely no idea what he took from us,” said Serenity’s mother, Robyn Osberry.
Whispering Wind Bear Spirit, an Indigenous non-binary person, was Shawnee by birth and Potawatomi by relations. They are remembered warmly by their friends and community.
Sophie Arrieta Vasquez was a Latina transgender woman and immigrant from Costa Rica. She was a member of Community Estrella, where she worked to help and support the trans and Latinx community. She is remembered lovingly by her family and community.
Danika “Danny” Henson, a Black transgender woman, is remembered by her friends as “the embodiment of love.” She is survived by her brother Daniel, who wants justice for Danika.
Jahaira DeAlto Balenciaga, a Lebanese-American transgender woman, was well known and beloved as a community activist and ballroom performer in the House of Balenciaga.
Thomas Hardin, a Black transgender woman, is remembered by her family and friends as a “wisecracker” who “always kept you laughing.”
Keri Washington, a Black transgender woman, went by the nickname “Bobo” and is lovingly remembered by her friends as “the real deal slay queen.”
Natalia Smüt, an Afro-Puerto Rican trans woman, was known in her community as a multi-faceted artist who brought joy to audiences as a drag performer.
Tiffany Thomas, a Black transgender woman, is mourned by her community and friends. She is remembered as someone with a “big heart” who was “funny” and always “stayed laughing.”
Iris Santos, a Latinx two-spirited transgender woman, was a beloved tarot practitioner that worked to aid her community in life’s journey.
Serena Angelique Velázquez Ramos, a Puerto Rican transgender woman, is remembered fondly as a “happy person” and a “sincere friend,” in many online tributes. An alumni of Universidad del Turabo, Serena maintained a YouTube channel teaching her audience about her personal spiritual practices.
Tiara Banks, a Black transgender woman, is mourned by her community. The HRC stated, “At just 24 years old, Tiara had her whole entire life ahead of her and, instead, we are remembering her because of the ongoing fatal violence against transgender people. We must continue to urge everyone to call an end to the alarming rate of fatal trans violence.”
Remy Fennell, a Black transgender woman, worked as a hairstylist and entrepreneur. She is remembered by her friends and family as a bold, outspoken, and loveable person.
Dominique Lucious, a Black transgender woman, is remembered by her friends as “fierce and glam.” PFLAG and GLO held a vigil in her honor. GLO stated, “This murder and the other senseless slaying of trans folks must be contextualized within the anti-trans rhetoric and actions taken by too many… Rest In Peace, Dominique Luscious.”
Jaida Peterson, a Black transgender woman, is mourned and remembered by her friends and family. In a tribute online, her sister shared, “You are going to be truly missed and once again we love you always.”
Aidelen Evans, a Black transgender woman from Houston, Texas, is deeply mourned. She is remembered and survived by her grandparents, friends, and the Balka family.
Rayanna Pardo, a Latinx transgender woman, is mourned by her sister, mother, and community. Many are working with the TransLatin@ Coalition to advocate for justice and keep her memory alive.
Diamond Kyree Sanders, a Black transgender woman, is deeply and lovingly remembered in a full obituary posted by her family here. Diamond loved to travel and enjoy family.
Kim Tova Wirtz, an Asian transgender woman, is mourned and remembered by her mother, niece, and family. Baltimore Safe Haven has organized a petition.
Jenna Franks, a white transgender woman, is remembered by her sister as being loved by many people. A local fund providing support to LGBTQ people experiencing joblessness and homelessness has been created in Jenna’s name.
Chyna Carrillo, a Latinx trans woman, worked as a certified nursing assistant in a nursing home. She leaves behind her supportive mother, family, and friends who remember her as a joy.
Jeffrey Bright, a trans boy, was active in PRISM, a local non-profit outreach organization for the LGBTQ+ youth of Beaver County, Pa. He is lovingly remembered by PRISM, as a “beautiful person with the brightest eyes and smile.”
Jasmine Cannady, a non-binary person who loved to dance, is remembered by PRISM — an outreach program for the LGBTQ+ youth of Beaver County — as a “sweet, shy, and artitic soul.”
Alexus “Kimmy Icon” Braxton, a Black trans woman, worked as a hairstylist. She is mourned by her mother who is a board member of The Hollywood LGBTQ Council and a two-decade advocate for Black trans women.
Fifty Bandz, a Black trans woman, is remembered by friends and chosen family. She enjoyed dance, fashion, and attending parties.
Dominique Jackson, a Black trans woman, was a beloved organizer, co-founder of BreakOut, an LGBTQ youth organization in Louisiana, the mother of Hause of Redd, and founder of Ladi Redd Inc.
Bianca “Muffin” Bankz, a Black trans woman, is remembered as thoughtful and generous by close friends. Bianca’s dreams included appearing on RuPaul’s Drag Race and sharing life with her friends.
Samuel Edmund Damián Valentín, a Puerto Rican transgender man, is remembered by local advocates who have called for justice for him and all LGBTQ people who have been killed in Puerto Rico.
Tyianna Alexander, a Black transgender woman, is remembered by friends and advocates as someone who “loved to dance, had a great sense of humor, enjoyed life when she could, and just wanted to be able to ‘vibe and thrive.'”