Missing Marysville teen found dead, hundreds attend vigil for her
MARYSVILLE, Wash. - A teenage girl who was reported missing from Marysville was found dead Monday morning.
Jenzele Couassi, 16, was last seen near Shoultes Road in North Marysville at around 5 p.m. on Friday.
Her family was concerned for her well-being when she went missing because she had been struggling with her mental health.
Tulalip Tribal Police told FOX 13 that she was found in a tidal area near the Tulalip Teen Center, where the Tulalip Bay meets Battle Creek.
Hundreds turned out for a vigil for the teen Monday night in the parking lot of the youth center.
"We are hoping to have a lot of people here to support the family of Jenzele and just to bring awareness to, just be there. If you see somebody that’s hurting, just be there for them," said Anita Matta, the Tulalip Police Department Program Manager.
Students and young friends like Kaysie Collins also wrote letters to Jenzele.
"I wrote it like I was talking to her," said Collins. "
"Me too," said Amari Flores, another friend.
The two say that they had been friends with Jenzele since middle school.
"We had dreams of turning 18 and raising our kids together as best friends," said Flores.
"She had such a big heart and such a kind soul," said Collins, pictured with Jenzele below.
Friends say Jenzele had a love for water and the moon. Flores said she shared a set of friendship necklaces with her that represented the night sky.
"I have a necklace with her that has a star and a moon on it, and she had the moon one and I have the star one," said Flores.
Collins said they used to watch the sunset together.
"Me and her used to ride scooters from her house, and we’d always go see the sunset and look at the water," she said.
The official cause of death will be released by the medical examiner.
An online fundraiser has been set up to help Jenzele's family with funeral expenses.
If you are struggling with your mental health, please know you are not alone. Call 988 for a 24-hour suicide and crisis lifeline.