Gone Too Soon: Wausau Mourns the Heartbreaking Loss of Kaign Reifschneider, Beloved Son and Firstborn

WAUSAU, Wis. — May 29, 2025 — Heartbreak has struck the Wausau community with the sudden passing of Kaign Reifschneider, a cherished young man whose death has left loved ones in deep mourning. Among those most devastated is his mother, Kayla Combs Koplitz — affectionately known as Kyla — who has shared her pain and heartbreak in an emotional tribute to her firstborn son.

“No mother should have to bury her child,” Kyla wrote in a powerful and tear-filled message. “Rest in peace, my firstborn. My baby. My world. I love you more than you will ever know @ Kaign Reifschneider. God has you now. Fly with the angels, my son.”

Kaign was a familiar face in Wausau — known for his kind soul, gentle demeanor, and the strong bonds he had with friends and family. While the circumstances of his passing have not been publicly disclosed, the pain of his absence is being deeply felt across the community.

Family friends describe the relationship between Kyla and Kaign as extraordinarily close. “He was her entire heart,” one family friend said. “Losing Kaign is like losing a part of herself. The pain she’s enduring is unimaginable.”

Since the news broke, heartfelt tributes and memories have poured in from those who knew Kaign. Classmates, neighbors, and community members have shared stories of his warmth, quiet strength, and the way he touched lives without ever needing to be the center of attention.

“He had a kindness you don’t see every day,” one friend shared online. “Kaign was someone you could always count on. This loss doesn’t make sense.”

Plans are underway for a candlelight vigil in Wausau to honor Kaign’s life and offer comfort to his grieving loved ones. It will serve as a time for the community to come together, not only to mourn, but to remember and celebrate the impact he made during his life.

Kyla continues to express her love and sorrow through heartfelt messages, showing the raw truth of a mother’s grief. Her words reflect the depth of her love and the pain of letting go far too soon.

“You made me a mother,” she wrote. “You gave my life meaning. I will carry you with me every moment of every day, until I see you again.”

The Wausau community stands with the Reifschneider family during this tragic time, lifting them in love, support, and prayer.

In Loving Memory of Kaign Reifschneider
Forever remembered. Forever loved. Forever missed.