In the tranquil town of Marysville, Washington, located about 35 miles north of Seattle, a community is shattered following the discovery of 16-year-old Jenzele Couassi’s body in a tidal area near the Tulalip Teen Center. Couassi was last seen alive near Shoultes Road on April 19, 2024, and her absence quickly escalated concerns due to her past mental health challenges.
The search for Couassi was extensive, involving local police, the Tulalip Tribal Police, and Snohomish County Search & Rescue teams, who employed drones and K9 units desperately to find her. Unfortunately, her body was located on April 22 in an area where Tulalip Bay meets Battle Creek, a locale frequented by the community’s youth.
Couassi, remembered for her kind spirit and loving nature, was not just a student in the Marysville school district but a friend to many. Her sudden disappearance and death have left her family and friends in profound grief, supported by a community that held a vigil in her memory.
The atmosphere was emotional during the vigil on Monday evening as attendees held candles, symbolically lighting the darkness surrounding this tragic event. Friends, family, and neighbors stood close, embracing and supporting each other through their grief.
The local tribe also participated significantly, demonstrating a deep sense of community solidarity by wrapping Jenzele’s parents in traditional blankets and singing mourning songs despite her not being a tribe member.
At the vigil, Kaysie Collins and Amari Flores reminisced about Couassi, sincerely expressing how she influenced their lives. Collins shared memories, conveying her feelings as if speaking directly to her, reminiscing about their scooter rides to watch sunsets, a testament to their close relationship and the kind-hearted person she was.
Similarly, Amari Flores talked about their future aspirations, mentioning a shared dream of adulthood and parenthood alongside Jenzele and a unique necklace set symbolizing their friendship—one with a star and the other with a moon, highlighting the profound personal loss of what the future could have been.
As the investigation into her death continues, the official cause remains pending, awaiting results from the Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help Couassi’s bereaved family cope with funeral expenses and other financial burdens during this difficult time. The fundraising campaign has raised over $10,000, exceeding the goal the organizers set.
Couassi is survived by both her parents and two younger brothers.