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Remembering Aleia Kuhn: A Community Mourns the Loss of a Bright 15-Year-Old

The Columbus community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 15-year-old Aleia Kuhn, who died in a sudden and tragic accident during a church youth event over the weekend. Just 34 days away from celebrating her 16th birthday — a milestone she had long dreamed of — Aleia’s life was cut short in a moment that has left family, friends, and her entire community reeling.

According to the Worthington Police Department, the incident occurred Saturday afternoon at a summer youth retreat hosted by Graceview Community Church, where Aleia had been an active participant for several years. Details remain under investigation, but initial reports suggest the accident involved a collapsed structure during a team-building activity. Authorities confirmed that Aleia suffered critical injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

“We are still gathering information, but it appears this was a tragic and unforeseeable accident,” said Police Chief Daniel Harper. “There is no indication of foul play. This was a vibrant young woman attending a youth event with her peers — it’s simply heartbreaking.”

Aleia’s parents, Heather and Bryan Kuhn, released a statement through the church Sunday evening:

“Aleia was full of light, laughter, and compassion. She loved Jesus, music, and making people feel seen. Our family is shattered. But even in this unimaginable pain, we are grateful for every single day we had with her.”

Born in August 2009, Aleia was a sophomore at Lincoln High School, where she was known for her warm spirit, love of singing, and kindness toward everyone she met. Teachers described her as “a quiet leader,” while friends called her “the heart of the group.”

“She wasn’t just friendly — she made people feel like they mattered,” said classmate Jasmine Lin. “Even if she barely knew you, she’d go out of her way to smile at you in the hallway or ask how your day was.”

In the days following her passing, tributes have poured in across social media, with classmates, teachers, and youth leaders sharing stories of Aleia’s generosity, faith, and joyful presence. Her Instagram account, now flooded with comments, had been counting down to her sweet 16 with excitement — a milestone she would never reach.

One post from just last week read:

“34 more days and I’ll be sixteen I can’t wait to drive, decorate my own cake, and dance all night with my favorite people.”

Graceview Community Church, where Aleia had sung in the youth choir and helped organize community service events, held a candlelight vigil Sunday night. Hundreds attended, many wearing lavender — her favorite color — and holding photos of Aleia laughing with friends or singing at youth worship nights.

“She was one of those rare souls who made others feel like they were home,” said Pastor Caleb Morrison during the vigil. “And now, she is truly home — though much too soon for our human hearts to understand.”

A GoFundMe campaign launched to support the Kuhn family with funeral expenses and memorial services has already raised over $45,000 in under 24 hours, a testament to the impact Aleia had on so many lives in her short time.

School counselors and grief support teams have been made available for students at Lincoln High throughout the week.

Plans for Aleia’s memorial service are currently underway and will be open to the public. Her family has requested that instead of flowers, donations be made to Aleia’s favorite charity: a local program providing musical instruments to underprivileged children.

As the community continues to mourn, one message remains clear: though her life was brief, Aleia Kuhn’s legacy — of kindness, faith, and joy — will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace, Aleia. You were almost 16, but you gave the world far more than your years.

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