In Loving Memory of Kaylah Rusaw – A Bright Light Gone Too Soon in Brunswick, Maine

BRUNSWICK, MAINE — With profound sorrow and heavy hearts, we share the tragic news of Kaylah Rusaw’s passing, following a devastating car accident on June 1, 2025. Just 19 years old, Kaylah’s life was brimming with promise, joy, and a radiant energy that left an unforgettable impact on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her sudden loss has shaken the Brunswick community, leaving behind grief, remembrance, and a deep longing for the vibrant presence she brought into the world.

A Life Marked by Light and Love

Kaylah was more than just a daughter, sister, or friend — she was a source of genuine joy, a constant force of positivity, and someone who carried compassion in everything she did. From a young age, she had a natural way of making people feel seen, heard, and loved. Whether she was volunteering in her community, lifting a friend’s spirits, or simply offering a warm smile, Kaylah had a heart full of empathy and a soul full of light.

Those closest to her describe her as fearlessly kind, with an infectious laugh and an adventurous spirit. She dreamed big, loved deeply, and approached life with both curiosity and courage. Her interests ranged from music and nature to helping others — a reflection of her well-rounded personality and desire to experience the world in all its beauty.

The Heartbreak of a Life Interrupted

The news of Kaylah’s tragic accident has sent waves of shock and sorrow throughout Brunswick and beyond. For her family, friends, classmates, and teachers, this loss is incomprehensible. It’s not just the loss of a life, but the loss of so many moments yet to come — the dreams she carried, the people she would have touched, the milestones she was so close to reaching.

The Rusaw family has asked for privacy as they navigate this unimaginable grief, but they are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and shared memories from the community. In a brief message, a family member shared:

“Kaylah was our sunshine. She was everything bright and beautiful in this world. We are devastated, but we are also thankful — for every moment we had with her, for every smile she gave, and for the love she left behind.”

A Community United in Grief and Memory

Across Brunswick, candlelight vigils, tributes, and quiet gatherings are being held in Kaylah’s honor. Friends have taken to social media to share photos, stories, and heartfelt messages, each post painting a fuller picture of a young woman who lived fully and loved fiercely in her short time on Earth.

Local schools and organizations have extended support services to students and families affected by the tragedy, reinforcing the strong community ties that Kaylah herself embodied. Teachers and mentors have remembered her as “an old soul in a young heart,” someone who “brought kindness into every room.”

Honoring Kaylah’s Legacy

Though Kaylah’s life ended far too soon, her memory will never fade. It will live on in the laughs she shared, the kindness she extended, and the love she gave so freely. To honor her life, friends and family are encouraging others to live with the same compassion and courage that Kaylah showed every day — to be kind, to dream big, and to cherish each moment.

Plans are underway for a public memorial service where the community will come together to celebrate her life, share memories, and find comfort in one another. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to youth mental health or local community programs that Kaylah supported.

Rest in Peace, Kaylah

As we mourn the loss of Kaylah Rusaw, we also hold tight to the beauty of her life. She may have only spent 19 years on this earth, but the depth of her love, strength, and kindness will echo for a lifetime in the hearts she touched.

Rest gently, Kaylah. You were a light in this world — and your light will continue to shine.