ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – Tristyn Bailey’s spirit continues to shine brightly in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
As her family and the community remember her vibrant life, her parents, Stacy and Forrest Bailey, reflect on the lasting impact she made in her 13 years.
Tristyn became a household name in May 2021 when her life was stolen in an act of violence by a schoolmate.
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But her family wants Tristyn to be remembered for her vibrant life, not her tragic passing.
Competitive, kind, committed
Tristyn had an infectious smile, a competitive spirit and was unwaveringly kind.
She was a dedicated cheerleader at Patriot Oaks Academy in St. Johns County, where she brought energy and enthusiasm to her team.
Her commitment to her friends and family was evident in everything she did, from supporting teammates to spreading positivity wherever she went.
Stacy Bailey recently recalled Tristyn’s loving nature.
“She had a way of making everyone feel special. Whether it was a small gesture or a big moment, she always made sure people knew they were loved,” Stacy said.
Forrest Bailey shared how Tristyn’s determination inspired those around her.
“She never backed down from a challenge. Whether in cheerleading or in life, she gave it her all. That’s something we hold onto,” he said.
While Tristyn’s death shook the community nearly four years ago, her memory continues to bring people together.
In her honor, the Bailey family has worked to promote kindness and unity, encouraging others to embody the values Tristyn lived by. The hashtag #TristynBaileyStrong remains a symbol of resilience and love.
The support of the local community has been a crucial source of strength for the Bailey family.
Stacy Bailey expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming kindness they have received, explaining why her family has chosen to remain in the community where they experienced such an unimaginable loss.
“I think that we have such a great community and our neighbors, they were all the ones that supported us,” she said. “If we left that, where would we be? Would we have the same support? I don’t know, but we’re protected with our neighbors and with our best friends. So we stay.”
Coping with grief
Forrest Bailey spoke about the profound impact of losing a child and the challenges that come with the ongoing journey of grief.
“One of the challenges when you’ve lost a child is your world changes. It’s upside down. You become different from that point forward,” he said.
Forrest Bailey emphasized that for a family coping with grief, understanding and patience are important.
“There’s a lot of giving each other grace and giving each other space. Every member of our family is dealing with the grief of losing Tristyn differently. And we’re not all in the same headspace at the same time. And so everybody has their very bad days,” he said. “Also, what we have to learn is there’s still a lot of happiness left in the world.”
Forrest shared how Tristyn’s memory helps guide them through their grief.
“Sometimes, when we get down, we just have to realize that’s not where she would want us to be. That’s not what she was about,” he said. “And so I know for me, a lot of times when I’m having the rough days, I realize that the genuineness of who Tristyn was and the way that we had raised her meant that I can’t stay in that place.”
In reflecting on the community’s response to his family’s heartbreak, Forrest Bailey shared a powerful sentiment.
“I love the Martin Luther King quote about, you know, ‘Darkness doesn’t drive out darkness. Only light does that.’ And what we’re really seeing is hate can’t drive out hate. Love has to do it,” Forrest said. “There’s been such tremendous love that we’ve felt. And that’s what drives us.”
Laying the foundation
That drive led the Bailey family to further Tristyn’s legacy with the Tristyn Bailey Foundation, which focuses on spreading kindness, supporting youth programs, increasing awareness of the dangers of social media, teaching self-defense/self-confidence, and fostering community engagement.
The foundation hosts events and initiatives that encourage positive change, emphasizing the importance of compassion and unity. Through scholarships, outreach programs, and partnerships with local organizations, the foundation works to ensure that Tristyn’s spirit of giving continues to make a difference in the lives of others.
Stacy Bailey said it’s meaningful for her to honor Tristyn’s spirit through the foundation’s work, like a recent award for a young student.
“Because you’re making somebody feel good and you’re making somebody who has been such an inspiration to their team [feel recognized],” Stacy said.
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As Tristyn’s family and friends keep her memory alive, they hope to inspire others to live with the same kindness and strength that defined Tristyn’s life.
Through acts of generosity and compassion, her legacy continues to touch lives, ensuring that she is never forgotten.
Stacy explained how the community’s support helps the family keep their momentum.
“Every night, we walk our dog, walk down our street, and see that there are so many people that still have teal lights on their houses. And so every night they go on, and it’s like a constant reminder that they’re there for us,” Stacy said. “And some of them probably have no idea how much it means to us. It’s the best feeling that you’ve got the support.”
