Carolina Lewis, the niece of former Wimbledon finalist Chris Lewis, passed away at age 23. According to her family, Carolina passed away while visiting Washington, D.C. on a trip. An official cause of death, however, has not been disclosed.
Her uncle commented on her passing.
“Carolina, may your beautiful soul Rest In Peace forever, and may your wonderful and loving family find some peace on this earth now that you have left us,” Chris said, according to the New Zealand Herald. “Carolina, we all love you. Thank you for the special times we’ve shared, the wonderful and precious memories you’ve given us, and for the love we all have in our hearts for you — a love that will hold true and strong for the rest of our lives. You will always be with us.”
Carolina recently graduated from Kansas State University and was an aspiring sports journalist. She had hoped to move to New York City after recently working to cover the US Open.
Carolina’s younger sister, Jade, also commented on her sister’s death with a post on GoFundMe.
“Carolina was loved by so many and made an impact in everyone’s life,” Jade wrote. “She was an exceptional daughter, sister, and friend. She was the light to everyone’s day, and there was never a moment without smiles and laughter when we were with her. Everyone who knew her in her short 23 years of life will always cherish the memories we made with her.
“As we prepare to say our final goodbyes, we appreciate any assistance, prayers, and compassion. All of the funds raised will be going towards having a beautiful memorial for such a beautiful soul.”
At the time of this writing, the GoFundMe has raised more than $5,000 of its $10,000 goal. Carolina’s family will be honoring her with a dual memorial in South Carolina and New Zealand.
Our deepest condolences go out to Carolina’s family and friends during this difficult time.