The Avondale community and Agua Fria High School are mourning the tragic loss of Rhiana Kemplin, a 17-year-old senior, who was killed in her sleep by an unknown assailant early on November 8th. 12 News reported that Kemplin was found by Avondale Police officers responding to a shooting at a residence near Dysart and West Rancho Santa Fe Boulevard, where she was taken to a hospital and later pronounced dead.
The school has since become the site of a memorial where students and staff have left flowers, candles, and personal messages in remembrance of Kemplin, one of it's students it's students spoke about her affinity for music, particularly playing the Marimba in the school band and a friend described the emptiness left behind stating, "There's less light in the world now," in a statement obtained by 12 News. Another band staff member echoed the sentiment to 12 News, mentioning Kemplin's dreams and aspirations and the profound loss felt by those who knew her.
According to a Fox 10 Phoenix report, a friend of Kemplin, Meryssa Perkins, highlighted her expressive personal style and encouraging attitude towards others to be themselves and friends hope to focus on the positive influence Kemplin had rather than just the circumstances of her death. She was considering a future in cosmetology, specifically in makeup, piercings, and jewelry.
The same neighbor who reported hearing the fatal shots described Kemplin as "nice and pretty" and stressed that the young victim did not deserve such a fate. "She was just a beautiful person. She didn’t deserve this. She didn’t deserve this," Perkins stated in an interview with Fox 10 Phoenix. While a GoFundMe campaign has been organised to assist Kemplin's family during this difficult time concerned individuals with any information are encouraged to contact Avondale Police at 623-333-7000 in hopes that justice might be served.
