On New Year’s Eve 2025, our family experienced an unimaginable tragedy. We lost our beloved daughter, Merinn Mae, in a sudden and heartbreaking accident. She was only five years old, and we are now preparing to lay our sweet girl to rest.

Merinn was big, bold, beautiful, and brilliantly bright. She had a joyful spirit and a heart full of love—one of those children who made everyone feel special just by being herself. To know her was truly to love her.

She dreamed of being a cheerleader and a ballerina, and she loved to imagine adventures to see penguins—her favorite animal. Merinn brought laughter, curiosity, and light into every space she entered, and her absence leaves an ache that words cannot fully express.

She is survived by her loving parents, siblings, extended family, and friends, all of whom are grieving an enormous loss. Any support during this time means more to us than we can say, as we navigate the days ahead and honor Merinn’s beautiful life.