In the summer of 2017, a tragedy struck a Westwego, Louisiana family, forever changing their lives. On Friday, July 14, 2017, 14-year-old Jasmaine Arlena Marie Anderson was fatally wounded in what was reported as an accidental shooting inside her home. The vibrant teenager, who had attended Henry Ford Middle School, was a beloved daughter, sister, and friend.
Her sudden and unexpected death sent ripples of grief through her community.
The incident that claimed Jasmaine’s life was described as a heart-wrenching accident involving her own brother. According to news reports, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office investigated the shooting and determined it to be accidental. In the immediate aftermath, her teenage brother was accused in connection with her death. The family was left to grapple with not only the loss of Jasmaine but also the devastating circumstances surrounding her passing.
In the days that followed, Jasmaine's family, including her mother, Candace Anderson, and her brothers, Jermaine and Jayden Anderson, were faced with the difficult task of arranging her funeral. A GoFundMe page was created to help with funeral expenses and a headstone, with the organizer describing Jasmaine as a 'beautiful soul, kind hearted, kind,caring little girl. That didn't get a chance to start living her life.' Her obituary celebrated the memory of a young girl who was cherished by her extensive family and friends. A homegoing celebration commemorating her life was held on Monday, July 24, 2017, at the New Hope Baptist Church in New Orleans, with interment at Restlawn Cemetery in Avondale. The community mourned the loss of a young life cut tragically short.
