This GoFundMe has been created on behalf of the family of veterinarian Dr. Lauren Semanchik, by her team at Long Valley Animal Hospital. All proceeds will be given to the family for any and all funeral and memorial expenses, or for a donation of their choosing on Lauren's behalf.

On August 2, 2025, the unimaginable occurred and 33-year-old Lauren Semanchik was fatally shot by an ex-boyfriend. This is not a case of NOMV or suicide; this was a double homicide that also caused the fatality of 29-year-old firefighter, Tyler Webb. Please help us support Lauren's family during this tragic time and share her story, her legacy, and fundraise so that Lauren can be memorialized in the way that she most certainly deserves.

As words can sometimes fall short from those of us grieving, confused, angry, and truly devastated, I can share this with no doubts: Lauren was LOVED. Deeply and unequivocally loved by her family, friends, co-workers, clients, furry patients, classmates, and anyone who had the pleasure of conversing with her or getting a glimpse of her rockstar smile and genuine kindness. She loved life, and she loved helping others. She loved her family, as she often shared stories and plans she had with her sisters. She loved animals, the outdoors, kayaking, music, concerts, traveling, and so much more.

One of her passions as a veterinarian was compassionate, empathetic, gentle end-of-life care, and that alone speaks volumes to her character. She was gentle, never judgmental, and gave hugs and hand-holding to families that needed support the most during their most difficult moments. She touched so many lives in her short time, and as this GoFundMe is created by her team at Long Valley Animal Hospital, I will share below a compilation of tribute messages from those that had the pleasure of working alongside such a phenomenal woman.

Thank you for your consideration in donating to this cause, for reading and sharing this page, and for the outpouring of support from the community.

Sincerely,

Jennifer

Practice Manager

Personal Tributes from our team (both past and present) at Long Valley Animal Hospital:

I had the pleasure of working with Lauren for over 5 years. She was astounding, and truly a force to be reckoned with. She was ethical, compassionate, smart, and a kind soul. Sharing an office gave insight to her personality on both a professional and personal level, and she excelled in everything she did. She helped shape Long Valley Animal Hospital into an amazing practice with ideas and input on protocols and organizational suggestions. She truly valued a work-life balance, and it was apparent she cared for every single one of her co-workers' well-being. Lauren loved all staff pets as if they were her own and jokingly called our shared office "Doggy Day Care," as staff dogs play and roam freely in the enclosed space. You'd frequently find her on the floor cuddling, kissing, and high-pitched baby talking to her four-legged friends (and they loved it!). The relationships she built with clients were amazing, as she was so often praised and requested as a doctor. Personally, she was a friend who could joke about day-to-day nuances, family life, and weekend happenings. She reached out during leaves of absence and offered genuine support when needed. My sincerest and deepest condolences go to her family at this difficult time. Her attacker did not want to let her shine, but Lauren Semanchik is a light that will never dim. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit, her love, and her light will forever shine bright in our hearts. - Jennifer

Dr. Semanchik (or Dr. Lauren, as she was more affectionately known) was an outstanding veterinarian—knowledgeable, caring, loving—and we were privileged to be working alongside her at Long Valley Animal Hospital, first in her role as a relief vet, then as a full-time veterinarian. More importantly, she was a wonderful human being. A bright and vibrant young woman with always a smile and a kind word. My heart is broken and I can’t fathom that I won’t see her again the next time I go into the hospital. We will all miss her dearly. Rest in peace, Lauren. - Dr. Russell Earl

It’s tough to find the right words in a moment like this. Lauren was one of the most loving, dedicated, kind-hearted people I had the pleasure of knowing. She has sat at a desk across from me almost every day for over a year now. Just a few days ago, we were singing along to 90s jams while we worked on records. We would say “hey, can I bug ya?” before asking for advice on a case, and the answer was always “yes.” I trusted her knowledge and skills wholeheartedly. She cared so deeply for every one of her patients and clients as if they were her family. She was truly an incredible veterinarian. But Lauren wasn’t just a coworker; she was a friend. Her bubbly, free spirit was a great addition to any outdoor adventure. I am going to miss those times the most. My thoughts are with Lauren’s family, friends, and every heart she has touched at this truly awful time. - Dr. Emily Stanton

Lauren was an incredibly talented and bright veterinarian. She had the kindest soul and was always a dear friend. I will miss her warm smile, hugs, and her usual ‘hi sweets or sweetie’ greeting or goodbyes. The time she gave to her patients and their owners was so beyond admirable and something I looked up to. She put them often before herself, as many medical professionals try to do, and she was beyond thorough in her work, always providing exceptional care. She will be missed by so many, including myself, and I feel honored to have known and worked with her over the years. My heart hurts for you and all your loved ones; lord knows there are so many. - Dr. Stephanie Welch

My heart goes out to Lauren’s family, her friends, her clients and all the people and pets whose lives she touched. Her skill as a veterinarian was impeccable. She treated everyone with kindness, compassion, and respect, and this is such a huge loss for Long Valley Animal Hospital, Lap of Love and the entire veterinary community. She took special care of my own cat Petunia, knowing how anxious she was, she treated her with such gentleness. At the end of the day, she would always thank me for all my help. I am forever grateful that I got to know her and work with her. I will miss her so very much. Rest in peace with the angels, beautiful Lauren. - Jane

Lauren was one of the kindest, most fun-loving, and thoughtful people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. She was selfless, she loved with her whole heart, and her passion for animals was everything. Lauren was one of those people who could just brighten your day and bring a smile to your face after a few minutes of talking with her. She could ease a worried mind during a difficult time or a tough conversation. My heart aches for her family and all the lives she touched; to know her was to love her. The world and the vet med community have truly lost a beautiful soul. - Liz

Reading the messages and tributes other people have written about Dr. Semanchik, my admiration towards her sounds like a broken record. I work as a summer technician at LVAH and have had the honor of working with Dr. Semanchik for the past 2 or 3 years. But in my few months every summer, she has become one of my role models as a VetMed student. The way she balanced her work ethic in being not just a professional who helped educate about veterinary medicine but also as a friend to our community. Her compassion easily helped bridge the public to our complicated field. Dr. Semanchik was a natural in making people understand that those of us in VetMed care about your fur babies just as much as you do. She was so very kind and taught me so much in what seems like a short amount of time. Dr. Semanchik truly was one of the people I strive to be in veterinary medicine and as a person. Her memory and passion will forever be carried on in my contribution to veterinary medicine. Tough times are ahead for those of us grieving her loss, but I can only give my sincerest condolences to her family, friends, and everyone she's touched the hearts of. - Alexa

Lauren was more than just a colleague; she was a friend. She brightened every room she walked into. From talking after work, to coffee trips, to even planning fun socks to wear to work together, she was such an amazing person. When I lost my dog, she was one of the first people to call and meet me for coffee to just listen. Through my darkest times she found ways to make me smile with her bright and caring soul. She was a loving person, and it’s beyond tragic to have lost her. I will continue to live as she would want me too, with happiness and love. Thank you, Lauren, for always being the bright side of my day, I love you and miss you darling. - Seana

Words have not been coming to me easily and I’m having so much trouble putting into words how I feel. You were a superhero to so many people. The love you gave was endless and you expected nothing in return. The amount of people you have touched and the number of animals you have helped is endless. You were more than a coworker and more than a friend. You were my family. You gave me so much advice and guidance through some very rough times in my life and we had a lot of very heartfelt conversations. When my son was born you sent gifts and DoorDash gift cards which doesn’t sound like much but was huge. You were the most thoughtful person I knew. I will do my best to show love like you would have and try my best to show the amount of compassion you had for everybody you encountered. I will miss you, my friend. - Amy

Lauren had the biggest heart and touched so many lives. She was always ready to provide support and compassion to anyone at any time. When my cat was sick, she would text me to check in on her and provide guidance, all on her free time. Every night when I was leaving, she would smile and thank me for my help. I will miss her. My thoughts are with Lauren’s family and friends. - Joann

When I think of Lauren my heart is flooded with nothing but positivity and joy. She was one of the most caring, compassionate and beautiful people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing and loving. She was beyond my friend, she was my family. I am forever grateful that I had her in my life and the memories I was able to create with her will always be with me. I will continue to spread positivity and light as she did for everyone she met and cared for. Lauren, I love you and I hope you are resting in the sweetest paradise. - Dani

Samantha Stallworth

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