Monica Joy Holley, Taken Far Too Soon

We are mourning the tragic loss of Monica Joy, who was vibrant, independent, and wise beyond her years.

Monica Joy, just 14 years old, lost her life heartbreakingly as a bystander to a deadly shootout on Wednesday, October 4th in Saint Paul, MN. Monica Joy was a natural comedian, she had recently joined the track team at Highland Jr. High School, she loved dancing, and she was a huge fan of the original Beverly Hills, 90210 - even though she was born 9 years after it stopped airing. She was so precocious, and her bubbly, joyful laughter will ring in our hearts forever.

We, the family of Monica Joy Holley, are asking for your support at this unbelievably challenging time.

"It's so unfortunate that, at a time when family should be able to mourn, there is so much to be taken care of," says Brittany Tolbert, Monica Joy's aunt.

Right now, efforts are really focused on supporting immediate family and honoring the life of Monica Joy as we all process this tremendous loss. We don't know what life looks like without her, and it will be a challenging healing journey especially for Monica Joy's 7 siblings and mother.

Donations will help us give Monica Joy a loving and dignified farewell, and will support her immediate family as they navigate this impossibly difficult time.

We have begun the arduous work of coordinating a ceremony to honor Monica Joy, and we will provide additional details as they emerge. In the meantime, we respectfully ask for privacy as we grieve.

"My beautiful grandbaby is no longer with us... my heart is broken like never before. When will the gun violence end?" reads an Instagram post by Monica Joy's grandmother, Gail Wright.