Gwendolyn Smith Monroe Obituary-Death News; Gwendolyn Smith and Ryne Leist Passed Away – Gwendolyn Smith and Ryne Leist Dies In Bedford Murder-suicide
A tight-knit Monroe County community is reeling following the tragic death of a recent Bedford High School graduate, 17-year-old Gwendolyn Smith.
Just weeks after celebrating her graduation, Gwen was found dead inside her family home on Sterns Road in Temperance on Saturday in what authorities are calling a murder-suicide.
Also discovered in the home was 33-year-old Ryne Leist, who police say died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office believes Leist shot Gwen before turning the gun on himself.
The shocking nature of the incident has left residents searching for answers and struggling to process the loss of a young life so full of promise.
Gwendolyn, known to many as Gwen, was an active member of the Bedford High School bowling team and had a passion for both music and art. Friends, classmates, and teachers remember her as a bright, kind, and creative soul.
“Gwen will be remembered for her kindness, her bright spirit, and the joy she brought to those around her,” the Bedford School District shared in a public statement.
The community has rallied around Gwen’s grieving family, raising over $14,000 through GoFundMe to help cover expenses and honor her memory. Neighbor Joyce Ornosky, visibly emotional, said, “My heart breaks. Ever since I heard of it two days ago, I just haven’t been able to get it over my heart.”
Despite rampant speculation, authorities have been clear in addressing rumors about Leist. While some community members believed he may have worked for the school district or served as a coach, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department has stated there is no evidence to support that claim.
“Mr. Leist was a known acquaintance of Ms. Smith,” the Sheriff’s Office confirmed. “There is no evidence to indicate they were in a dating relationship; they were merely acquaintances.”
What led to this unthinkable act remains a mystery. The nature of the connection between Gwen and Leist is still being investigated, leaving friends, neighbors, and classmates struggling with uncertainty. “Maybe they were just good friends and he just did an unforgivable thing,” Ornosky offered.
