SAGINAW, MI — June 24, 2025 — With hearts burdened by grief and disbelief, the Saginaw community is in mourning following the tragic loss of Gabrielle Marie, a beloved young woman whose life was unexpectedly and heartbreakingly cut short. On Monday afternoon, June 23, 2025, authorities confirmed that her body was recovered from the waters near Ojibway Island, a serene and often celebrated local landmark now marked by sorrow and unanswered questions.

Gabrielle, known to friends and loved ones simply as “Gabby,” was just 25 years old. A radiant soul, she was widely adored for her gentle spirit, contagious laughter, and unwavering love for her family and community. Her sudden disappearance late last week sparked worry among those who knew her best. Social media posts, local flyers, and search efforts rapidly multiplied over the weekend as loved ones pleaded for help and prayed for her safe return.

Tragically, those prayers gave way to anguish as Saginaw police and the Saginaw Fire Department responded to a 911 call reporting a possible body floating near the western shoreline of Ojibway Island around 2:15 p.m. on Monday. A recovery team was dispatched, and by late afternoon, officials confirmed that the body was indeed that of Gabrielle Marie.

An autopsy is currently pending as part of an active investigation by the Saginaw Police Department. Authorities have not yet released details regarding the cause or manner of death, and no foul play has been confirmed at this time. Investigators have stated that they are awaiting toxicology results and further forensic analysis before making any conclusive statements.

News of Gabrielle’s passing has rocked the Saginaw community. A memorial of flowers, candles, handwritten notes, and photographs has quickly begun to grow along the Ojibway Island trailhead, where mourners have gathered to light candles, say prayers, and hold each other close in shared sorrow.

“She was more than just a friend—she was like a sister to everyone she met,” said Alayna Thomas, one of Gabrielle’s longtime friends. “She had this way of making people feel seen, heard, and loved. This loss is unimaginable.”

Gabrielle graduated from Saginaw High School in 2017 and had recently begun pursuing a degree in social work. She was passionate about helping others, often volunteering at local shelters and youth outreach programs. Her mother, Laverne Marie, described her daughter as “a light in dark places” and “the glue that held our family together.”

“She loved this community. She wanted to give back and be a part of something bigger,” her mother said through tears. “She deserved so much more time. So much more life.”

The Saginaw Police Department is asking anyone with information about Gabrielle’s last known whereabouts to come forward. Detective James Calloway, who is leading the investigation, noted that they are combing through surveillance footage, speaking with those who last saw her, and following up on tips that have come in since her disappearance.

“Our hearts go out to Gabrielle’s family, and we are doing everything we can to ensure answers are found,” Calloway said during a press briefing Monday evening.

As the investigation continues, plans for a community vigil are already underway. Organizers hope to gather at Ojibway Island this Friday evening for a sunset ceremony to honor Gabrielle’s life and legacy. Community leaders, clergy, family, and friends are expected to speak, sing, and share memories of a life that ended far too soon.

In this time of immense sorrow, Gabrielle’s family is asking for privacy as they prepare for funeral arrangements. A GoFundMe page has also been set up to assist with burial costs and to support the family in their time of mourning.

Gabrielle Marie is remembered not only for the tragedy of her death but for the love, compassion, and warmth she gave so freely in life. She leaves behind her parents, three siblings, numerous cousins, close friends, and a heartbroken community now left to carry her memory forward.

As the sun set on June 23, 2025, the waters near Ojibway Island carried with them not just the body of a beloved young woman, but the sorrow of an entire city that now grieves a soul gone too soon.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Saginaw Police Department at (989) 759-1289. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers.