In Loving Memory of Our Brightest Light: Supporting Bethany, Lenin, and Carlos

Hello everyone, my name is Chris Neustedt, and I am writing this as her proud and heartbroken Tio (Uncle). Bethany, her mother, is my sister-in-law, and Lenin, her brother, is my nephew. I am stepping forward to create this page and raise urgent funds for my family during the most devastating time of our lives.

Yesterday, on the 4th of July, our family's world was shattered in an instant. Our beautiful, vibrant 19-year-old niece was tragically taken from us by a drunk driver in Sedro-Woolley, WA.

She was doing what she always did—being the backbone of her family, working hard, and looking forward to the future. She, her boyfriend Carlos, and her family were together selling fireworks to fund her first big dream trip across the country to Florida. In a moment of pure horror, a drunk driver struck and killed her right in front of the people who loved her most. We are entirely devastated. Our family is torn apart, lost, and completely broken without her.

What We Are Raising Money For

As her Tio, it breaks my heart to see my family in this position. I am raising these funds so that 100% of all donations go directly to her grieving mother, Bethany (my sister-in-law), and her brother, Lenin (my nephew). As the organizer of this fundraiser, I will personally transfer 100% of the funds raised directly to Bethany's bank account, so she and Lenin can use it for their immediate needs without delay.

The money raised here will be used entirely to cover:

Funeral and burial services to give our girl the beautiful, dignified farewell she deserves.

Memorial arrangements and transportation.

Immediate financial support for Bethany and Lenin so they can take time off work to breathe, mourn, and survive this impossible loss without the panic of bills and expenses.

No mother should ever have to bury her child, and no family should have to witness such a tragedy.

A Beautiful Soul with Big Dreams

My niece was only 19, but she was already a pillar of strength and love for everyone around her. She graduated from Squalicum High School last year and was so excited to start her next chapter this fall at Bellingham Technical College, pursuing a career as a radiation technician with ultimate dreams of becoming an ultrasound technician.

She was a girl who brought color and joy wherever she went. Her true passions were makeup, nails, perfume, and her beloved Coach purses. Her favorite color was pink—her entire bedroom is a beautiful reflection of that bright, happy color. She was also deeply proud of her Guatemalan heritage, constantly striving to learn more about her roots and honor where she came from.

Above all, she loved her family fiercely. She was the bedrock of her household, always there to help her mother with absolutely anything. She shared a deep, beautiful love with her high school sweetheart, Carlos. She was an amazing daughter, sister, cousin, friend, and the most devoted aunt to little Ruari.

How You Can Help

If you are able to donate, any amount—no matter how small—will help ease the heavy burden on Bethany and Lenin. If you cannot donate, please share this page and keep our family, especially her mother, brother, and Carlos, in your deepest prayers.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your love, support, and kindness during our darkest hour.