Thinking of Leyna and her family and friends today with love and support.

I just learned about Leyna's passing this last week. It is not only the most heartbreaking news but also the most helpless I have ever felt as a teacher. Leyna was hard working and brilliant. She smiled with her eyes and I will forever remember her that way, smiling. I pray that Leyna is resting in peace and that those who got to know her and share a memory with her embrace the loved ones around them just a little tighter as I do with those around me. Love you very much, my minion. 

We love you so much and we’re certainly going to miss you for a lifetime —until we meet again, Leyna! Rest in paradise🧡 

Leyna is one of the smartest, most talented, and amazing person I've ever known. She was my classmate, rival, and most of all: a friend. I would never forget about her as she is just such an amazing person. I remember we walked together during commencement in 8th grade and then again at graduation. She told me something that I would never forget was that I was the person she would strive to beat and I although I never told her directly, I hope that she knows that I still have long ways to be like her. Although we were rivals, the respect that she earned from me will never be forgotten. Thank you for being my rival. Thank you for allowing me in your life. I hope you can rest in peace. 

I have never met Leyna and just recently was informed about her story. But I feel the need to offer my condolences during this troubling time. I want you to know that you are not alone. That everything will get better. That there is light at the end of the tunnel. So take as much time as you need to grieve and heal. And cherish the wonderful memories you had with your beautiful daughter. She will live on in the hearts of the many lives she touched. I am so sorry for your loss.

I got to experience one of my favorite sunsets with Leyna just last year. I was able to capture this moment where she was admiring the sunset too. I didn’t get to meet her properly before then but I’m glad I got the chance to while she was around. I hope she’s resting well.

Greetings to Leyna’s loved ones, family, and friends,

I am Cindy and I met Leyna earlier this school year at UCLA. Since I have met her, she was nothing but happiness, joy, and love. Immediately since the first time I met her, her energy is incredibly radiating and her smile is so contagious. Though I have only spoken to her a few times, she has definitely impacted my life in ways I will never forget and I will forever cherish the encounters we have shared together. I am sending my deepest condolences to her family and friends. Rest in Peace to Leyna. ❤️

Leyna was an amazing student and equally grateful friend. I remember your detailed Spanish projects, your beautiful drawings and your overall dedication to learning a new language. Rest In Peace beautiful Leyna. 

Leyna was an unforgettable sixth grade student. As her sixth grade teacher, I remember her remarkable and detailed presentations in class. She was enthusiastic, respectful, and very friendly. Her personality and laugh was contagious! I loved surprising her at her high school graduation; she was so grateful. Leyna made all teachers so very proud of her and she will be greatly missed. Prayers and hugs to the family. 

Leyna, The Nguyen family so shock. One week passed, but We can’t believe you gone forever 😢you always had a beautiful smile on your face. I will never forgot how beautiful of a person inside and out. You’ll forever be loved and remembered as the beautiful soul you were. You always made our family around you laugh and made us feel comfortable. We always so proud of you. Cherish what you accomplished. We prayed for you every time we think of you. Please God bless to Leyna 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻Love you forever Leyna ❤️ I hope you’re at peace . Rest In Peace 🙏🏻

Although I’ve only talked to Leyna a few times, I could always tell that she had genuine kindness and compassion throughout our conversations—whether it’d be in SEA CLEAR or outside of other spaces at UCLA. She will forever be remembered and loved. My prayers go out to her and the Nguyen family.

I was Leyna’s 2nd grade teacher at Clinton elementary school. She was a bright and energetic child and a joy to teach. I am so sorry for the family’s loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. 

Leyna was one of the most positive, amazing people I have ever met. I was lucky enough to spend time with her at UCLA's SEA Admit Weekend and see how excited she was about going to college and life in general. I'll be thinking of you Leyna.

I wasn’t the closest with Leyna, but I met with her through SEACLEAR, Fall 2020, as we worked together there. I was in one of the toughest predicaments of my life, living in my car for a few months and reached out to some friends, and she came around, giving me the utmost support, emotionally and materially. Through her, she was able to get me a relief grant that helped me cover some of my expenses at the time. I was nearly a stranger to her, but her heart shined through. For her to be so tender and compassionate to someone she knew so little about, I’ll always cherish that. Though our time knowing each other was short, I’ll always keep our conversations close to my heart. Wish I could’ve let her know how much her efforts and essence meant to me, but in the next lifetime… you’ll be missed.

Lena Nguyen. A beautiful soul whom everyone will truly miss. I remember the times when we would pass each other heading to our class…there was not a single time where we would not  greet each other with a smile and laughter. Her smile was the brightest and most beautiful genuine smile I’d ever seen from anyone. Words can’t describe how much of an amazing individual she is…and as many others have stated her smile was indeed infectious. Whenever we’d have an assembly performance we’d always exchange looks and cheered for each other. She was in drill and I was in cheer. From what I knew cheer and drill teammates didn’t talk to one another or weren’t as close but we both accepted each other and complimented each other after our performances…she was not only kind but she was talented and gracious. When I saw her with other people I only remember her smiling and laughing with others she was around. May your beautiful soul Rest In Peace Leyna 🤍 

Leyna was one of the sweetest, most care free and funniest people I’ve ever met. I’ve always admired her work ethic and the accomplishments she’s done. Whenever I saw her she was always in a good mood and happy. I’m shocked that this happened but I pray and know she will finally be at peace. She was loved by so many people and she was such a great person to admire and love.
She will forever be loved and remembered as the amazing and joyous person that she was.
You were always an angel sweetie. We all love you.
Rest In Peace Leyna❤️❤️ 

Leyna always had a smile on her face I will never forgot how beautiful of a person she was inside and out. She’ll forever be loved and remembered as the beautiful soul she was. She somehow always made those around her laugh and made them feel comfortable.  Love you forever Leyna I hope you’re at peace . Prayers for her and her family.  I’ll always remember your beautiful smile <3

This is exactly how Leyna will be remembered by everyone who knew and loved her. Silly and smiling. She has touched the lives of many and will forever be cherished. Rest In Peace sweet girl. 💕
- Coach Jannet

She had a heart for others! We had Spanish together at Santiago high school! She helped me so much, I don’t think I would’ve passed without her. 💛💛

 I’ve known Leyna since elementary school. She used to have a HUGE crush on me and it was a running gag that we were fake boyfriend and girlfriend. We hated each other fervently, forgave each other on Facebook messages, and became friends…as 7 year-olds typically would. Then high school came around and we became best friends during sophomore year. We both were the BIGGEST foodies and boba-lovers and it was a typical day for us to go to Almond Haus to study after school. We both loved to dance and attempted to join a dance club together despite both being the most uncoordinated people on the planet. All of my volunteer hours never felt like work because she was always by my side and we made it fun together. Every time we laughed, we struggled to breathe. She was the most amazing artist, even as a young girl. She was compassionate and caring. She made an effort to help me or cheer me up whenever I needed it. She was one of the most hardworking people I’ve ever known and so determined to fulfill her dreams. She took care of her family like no other. I’ll miss her deeply and I’m so grateful to have known her. I’ll forever remember her as “wubby,” a nickname she gave herself as a kid. 


Leyna had such a kind soul and beautiful smile . I could still hear her laugh in my head , it was contagious. She was someone you couldn’t forget. My prayers go out to her and her family .May you all stay strong during this time . We’ll miss you . Rest In Peace 🤍

Leyna was such a kind hearted soul and she had such a beautiful smile. I remember our Drill days were always full of joy and laughs.    Rest In Peace angel 🙏

We were the only 3 students to volunteer for this Christmas event at Eisenhower and it was always joy and laughter around Leyna. This is one of the many memories I have with Leyna and I will always remember her beautiful smile and presence. 🤍 

This is crazy, such a beautiful and genuine soul gone too soon. Her laughter was contagious I remember back in hs we all went as a meme and she was Lil tay . Swear her laugh and the way she cares about the people around her. R.I.P. beautiful angel 

May Leyna’s beautiful soul finally Rest In Peace. My condolences go out to her family and her friends. She will always be remembered as the bright star she was. I will always remember her the way I saw her, laughing and smiling. 

Leyna is a cousin of mine who I have always seen as my beloved sister. It is funny because people used to think we were sisters when we were young because of our name and matching clothes. It is true that she is my sister because the bond we had is irreplaceable and I can never truly explain it in words. We have been inseparable ever since we grew up together and there are many memories of her that I will cherish forever. She has taught me many things in life, supported me when I didn't believe in myself and have always protected me. It hurts knowing that we won't be able to graduate college and build our life together like how we always planned. I will miss you deeply and I know that your soul is finally at peace up above. I will remember you in your happiest time and know that your mom will be taken care of. You don't have to worry anymore. I love you forever <3


Beautiful Leyna, you were a light in this world.  We will remember the cheerful smile and laughter you brought to the drill team and those around you.  Thank you for memories.  You will always be in our hearts.  May you rest in peace. 


The first time I met Leyna, she expressed nothing but happiness and laughter. She was a pleasure to be around, and a good soul at heart. She was painting a dog for an art class and I vividly remember telling her how good she was at art. May her memory and love she gave to this world live on forever. 

It was extremely difficult for me to process the news of her death after my family told me. Although, I wasn’t able to see her as much since she moved away to college, I knew that she was very ambitious and always seeking out her goals. I looked up to her as a younger cousin and my life wouldn’t be the same without her.

I remember the day like it was yesterday when we presented  Leyna with The Coaches award during her second year in Drill. She worked so hard every year and always motivated others to do the same. Her infectious smile, laugh, and beautiful personality will be forever missed. I will cherish all the wonderful memories I have of Leyna. She was a rock star performer. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. - Coach Crystal

Leyna always brought a smile to our practices and could always make me laugh when we were put near each other. She radiated brightness even on the hardest days. This is the way I’ll always remember her ♥️ Leyna, you’ll be very deeply missed. 

During high school, Leyna’s laughter could be heard across the hall, her smile lit up the room and she made everyone around her laugh. She was bright, cared about her community and always made sure everyone felt included, heard and understood. She was a ball of energy and never failed to be herself. I’ll miss you Leyna. Sending thoughts and prayers to her family & loved ones. 

Leyna was the kindest soul I could have ever met. She believed in you when you couldn’t believe in yourself. Love you lots Leyna and you will be very, very missed. 💛

the first time we met, i swiped u a salad from the study, then we got matcha from la la land kind cafe, and then we watched the sunset at tongva steps.  we took a polaroid together and u wrote me a note, inside it being the parking pass that u bought the day we first met. you'll always be my keshi concert buddy, and i'll never forget u. love u forever leyna

My best dance partner anyone could ask for.  Love u forever 💗

Leyna, a beautiful person inside and out. I will treasure the memories we had together. Will always be my Little LingLing 🤍

Leyna, a beautiful person inside and out. I will always treasure the memories and interactions we had together.  Always will be my little LingLing <3

Leyna's smile could light up a room.  She was a wonderful person, and it was my privilege getting to know her as one of my students.  She was loved by her Santiago family, and we will miss her deeply.

Leyna will be greatly missed, she was always very kind to her peers and I will remember all the memories we shared on the team -Coach Adelina

I have so many wonderful memories of Leyna. She was a true joy and light in the world.  Her smile, positive attitude, and caring nature are what I remember the most about her, whether it was in class, on a field trip, out to lunch, or a nice long talk at the end of the day. No matter what she always brought a smile to my face and made everyone around her feel better.  The world lost a beautiful soul. May she rest in peace. 

OBITUARY

Leyna Thai Nguyen

November 12, 2001 – April 14, 2022

Peek Funeral Home

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