18-Year-Old Dancer Found Dead in Her Home Remembered as the 'Most Vibrant Girl': 'Her Time with Us Was Far Too Short'
An 18-year-old dancer is being remembered by her loved ones following her tragic death.
Layla-Maria Grubb was found dead in her home in Australia on Saturday, July 19, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Her family told the outlet that the teenager died just hours after she was sent home from a hospital following a suspected seizure.
"We all want to know what happened. We are searching for answers," Grubb's mother, Beth Ashton, told the Daily Telegraph.
Grubb studied at the dance company Village Nation. The company's director, Briden Starr, described her as a "healthy, positive, focused girl," per the Daily Mail.
In a heartfelt social media post shared after her daughter's death, Ashton wrote, "Our baby girl left us far too soon."
"Layla-Maria brought so much joy, light, and love into the lives of everyone who knew her. A gorgeous dancer, who moved through life with the same beauty and passion she brought to the stage," she continued. "Her laughter, kindness, and beautiful spirit will be deeply missed and forever remembered."
"Though her time with us was far too short, her impact will remain in our hearts, forever 18. ❤️," the grieving mother concluded. "We kindly ask for your thoughts and prayers for our family during this incredibly difficult time."
The JLC Dance Company — which Grubb belonged to in Western Australia — also shared a tribute. The organization said the teen left for Sydney in 2023 to pursue a professional career in dance.
"Layla was on a trajectory to stardom and had immense potential," the JLC Dance Company wrote on Facebook. "Layla was an amazing student, and friend, with a great personality and huge smile that lit up any room."
The group continued: "Layla was an amazing friend to a lot of our staff and students and this devastating news has affected the entire JLC family and everyone that knew Layla for no matter how long, or short.
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In a GoFundMe page, Grubb's friends said they wanted to "give Layla the send-off she truly deserves" and celebrate her life in a way "that reflects the incredible love and joy she brought into our lives."
"Layla was pure light — an amazing dancer with an infectious laugh!" the friends continued, also remembering Grubb as "the funniest, goofiest, most vibrant girl you could ever meet, lighting up every room with her laughter and fun."
A funeral service for the dancer will be held in Sydney on Friday, Aug. 1.
Grubb's death investigation has been referred to the New South Wales coroner, local police told PEOPLE.
"Due to the early stage of the matter, we cannot provide further detail at this time," a spokesperson said.
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