My name is Tara Jill, and I am reaching out for help after the sudden and unexpected loss of my fiancé, Ian Lindl, on July 3, 2026. Ian and I moved into our apartment together in January 2026. We spent so much time just loving our new place and restored discarded furniture and worked on creative projects and made a really happy place for us. We were excited for the future and were planning visits to our families, and Ian was preparing to return to Delgado Community College to study Radiology. He was an empath and a natural caretaker, always attentive and supportive. I injured my shoulder and needed help recovering, and Ian was fantastic. He was inspired him to pursue a career as a radiology technician because of that, and he was looking forward to making a difference in people’s lives. He was naturally helpful and friendly. He’d give away almost anything to someone who needed it, to the point that sometimes I’d have to ask him not to (if it was something we needed).

I work in the service industry in the French Quarter where my income has been negatively impacted by construction and general lack of tourism. Ian was unemployed at the time of death, but he’d been working as an oyster shucker and as a taxi driver and doing construction for friends. We didn’t have any savings and were hoping to both be more stable financially, especially with him getting a degree at the community college. 

Then he suddenly died while I was at work, and I came home and called the paramedics. It could have been heat stroke. I may never know because he didn’t have a will, and I’m not allowed access to this information because of Louisiana laws. 

Ian registered the utilities in his name when we moved in, and after his passing, I am faced with the challenge of transferring the accounts. Entergy required a $250 deposit to put the bill in my name, and I am also expecting a deposit request from the gas company. Even getting his death certificate to send to the utility companies required funds. These unexpected expenses have added to the financial stress I am already experiencing, as I now pay all the rent and am now responsible for all the bills alone. I am not sure what other expenses I will incur, and every day there seems to be a new expense. I also want all the utilities in my name in case there are outages during hurricane season. We were always up to date on our bills when they were in Ian’s name, and he would never have wanted me to suffer this burden or the anxiety that comes with it. He isn’t here to get his deposit back and give it to me to start the new account, and I know he’d be so grateful if anyone helped me with the Entergy deposit.

I’m also needing to pay out of pocket for any medical expenses or therapy for me and my dog. Zooey really loved Ian and deserves all the treats and companionship when I’m at work. 

Ian was a loving person who donated to many causes and helped others whenever he could. Any support will be something Ian would have wanted, and I know he would never want me to feel this anxious. He was my person and my love, and he loved me so much. I hope to be able to function enough to organize a celebration of his life with our New Orleans community. There are many more bills that Ian and I were responsible for, and I would like to pay them and also have some funds for a celebration of his life. Thank you for reading my story and considering a donation.