My name is Olivia Lyons, and I am the niece of Michelle “Shelly” Buboltz- Semenjuk

On Sunday, October 26th, our family’s world was shattered. My aunt Shelly was tragically murdered on her front porch in Phoenix, Arizona, dying in the arms of her beloved son, Mackenzie Buboltz.

Shelly was a free spirit — she lived life with love, laughter, and no fear or judgment. She did not deserve to be taken from us in such a senseless act of gun violence. When simply sitting on your own porch becomes “the wrong place at the wrong time,” it’s hard to understand what the world is coming to.

If you knew Shelly, you knew her greatest love was her son, Mackenzie. The two of them shared a special bond — it was always just the two of them and her dog, Bentley. They built their lives together in Arizona, far from family but always full of love.

Now Mackenzie is left without his mother, his caregiver, his support system, and his home. He witnessed the unimaginable and is now facing life entirely on his own. Our family is in New York and North Carolina, doing everything we can from afar, but we need help.

We are asking for donations to help with:

Cremation and memorial expenses so Mackenzie can lay his mother to rest and bring her home to New York

Travel and transport costs to return her remains

Essential living expenses for Mackenzie — food, housing, and basic needs as he begins to rebuild his life without her

We never imagine this kind of tragedy will happen to us — until it does. Please, if you are able, consider helping Mackenzie during this devastating time. Your kindness will help bring him some stability and peace as he navigates an unbearable loss.

Hold your loved ones close, never take a single moment for granted, and remember the gift of life can change in an instant.

With love and gratitude,

Olivia Lyons & Family