Michigan high school graduation ends in tragedy: Female student and bowling coach dead

Content warning: This article mentions suicide and sexual abuse. Please take care while reading.

In the joyful aftermath of high school graduation, Gwen Smith, 17, was fatally shot in her stepfather’s home in Bedford Township by 33‑year‑old Ryne Jacob Leist, a volunteer bowling coach. Authorities say Leist then ended his own life in what is being treated as an apparent murder‑suicide.

Tragedy at home: what happened

According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, that Saturday evening, around 6 p.m., Gwen’s stepfather returned to their residence on Sterns Road and discovered the two victims inside. Montesde County Sheriff Troy Goodnough confirmed Smith was shot multiple times before Leist turned the gun on himself.

Leist, from Temperance, Michigan, served as a volunteer coach for Bedford High School’s bowling club. He was recruited via Forest View Lanes and was not employed directly by the school district.

Sheriff Goodnough clarified that his involvement was through the bowling alley, not through Bedford Public Schools. His recent resignation from the bowling alley preceded the incident.

Victim remembered

Smith was praised by Bedford Public Schools Superintendent Carl Shultz as “an extraordinary young woman…a gifted student who excelled academically, a passionate artist in music and a standout athlete on our bowling team.”

Known for her kindness, vibrant spirit, creativity, and sense of humor, Gwen’s death has brought profound grief to her family, classmates, and community. A memorial event—“Celebration of Life”—will be held in her honor on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 8 p.m. in Bedford’s football stadium.

Motive unclear but troubling leads

Investigators have yet to determine a motive. Authorities confirm contact between Leist and Smith occurred about five days before the shooting, but details remain classified. Gwen’s stepfather publicized distressing emails Leist sent to her before the incident, stating: “I’ve seen enough of the emails he sent my daughter before he killed her … He deserves to rot in a special hell.”

According to the New York Post, at least one person who knew Leist when she was a teenager described concerning prior behavior from the coach, but authorities say they received no formal complaints about him.

The Bedford Township community is unified in mourning and shock. The school district activated its crisis response team to provide grief support, while a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to aid Gwen’s family financially and emotionally.

Authorities say they’ll determine how Leist gained access to Gwen’s home, whether by forced entry or being let in. The investigation is ongoing, with no further official statements released pending forensic, digital, and witness evidence evaluation.