Moriah Dennington, a beloved resident of Pinellas Park, Florida, and former employee at Big Jim’s Tavern & Tap, tragically passed away on June 22nd, 2024, due to the ongoing fentanyl crisis. She had studied at St. Petersburg College and was known for her vibrant presence in the community.
Her father, Robert Dennington, has taken to GoFundMe to raise awareness and funds in her memory, aiming to combat the fentanyl epidemic that has claimed so many lives. The fundraiser, "Moriah’s Memory: A Call to End Fentanyl Crisis," has raised $570 of its $15,000 goal from three donations, with contributions from Jessica Howard ($20), Ashley Campbell ($500), and an anonymous donor ($50).
Moriah’s friends and family have been expressing their grief and sharing memories on Facebook. Kailonie Stewart reminisced, "This is so crazy… I remember the days in kindergarten when we used to sing ‘lucky’ on the playground by Britney Spears and our sleepovers we used to have. We grew apart when we got older but was still always rooting for you rest easy Moriah Dennington, you’ll be missed dearly."
Kendal Bowers also mourned her loss, stating simply, "Unreal. RIP," while Mariya Markova shared, "Sending all of you love. I’m so sorry."
Moriah’s childhood friend Alexis Skylar Mikalinis reflected on their shared past, saying, "We used to have full-blown concerts out there. Truly heartbreaking."
The impact of Moriah’s death has resonated deeply within her community, highlighting the devastating effects of the fentanyl crisis. Her father Robert hopes to prevent other families from experiencing such loss by advocating for greater awareness and action against this epidemic.
Note:This post was written and edited by Claire Flores, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.