One year later: Tristyn Bailey’s former cheer coaches remember her as a hard worker and kind friend

This Monday, it will be one year since 14-year-old Tristyn Bailey was killed.

Action News Jax told you last Mother’s Day that she was reported missing and found dead later that day in the Durbin Crossing neighborhood.

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office announced the next day the then 14-year-old Aiden Fucci was charged with first-degree murder in her death.

Now, Tristyn’s friends and loved ones are reflecting on the news that shook up their lives.

“Our gym has dedicated its season to her,” Zone Cheer All-Stars gym owner Jessica Molisanti said.

A Zone Cheer All-Stars hangs a plaque in Tristyn’s honor. At the time of her death, Tristyn was a seventh-grade cheerleading team captain at Patriot Oaks Academy. Her coaches at Zone said she was a hard worker and also a great friend.

“She was the kid if we had someone that was new that would walk in really nervous, I’d be like ‘Tristyn go hang out with this girl, make her comfortable.’ She would walk them around, show them the gym,” All-Star director Chelsey Mark said.

They’ve done what they can to keep her memory alive.

“We’ve had our athletes paint rocks and leave them around competitions and around different states they’re traveling,” Molisanti said.

They said it’s important they stay strong for their athletes and the Bailey family.

“They’ve shown such amazing strength so we’ve stood behind them to help assist in never forgetting her and her legacy living on forever,” Molisanti said.

A year later, they’re also watching Fucci’s court case as he nears his trial. They said they hope justice is served.

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