Grieving Community Remembers Late Nevada Teen Who Went Missing After Family Argument

• A coroner confirmed that a body Nevada authorities found in a desert area on Jan. 5 matched the description of Jennaleah “Jenna” Hin, a senior at Foothills High in Henderson who went missing the previous week
• Hin was described as a straight-A student who was planning on attending nursing school
• “This isn’t the outcome the parents wanted. I just feel so bad for them,” said a parent of another Foothills High student

A Nevada community is in mourning following the death of a 17-year-old high school student who went missing last week following a reported family dispute.

Authorities announced on Sunday, Jan. 5, that a deceased body found in a desert area matched the description of Jennaleah “Jenna” Hin, a senior who attended Foothill High School in Henderson.

On Tuesday, Jan. 7, a spokesperson for Clark County confirmed to PEOPLE on that Jennaleah “Jenna” Hin, of Henderson, died by suicide from a gunshot wound.

Local NBC affiliate KSNV reported on Tuesday that a memorial for Hin was created, with members of the community leaving flowers and stuffed animals at the scene where her body was found.

Meanwhile, Foothill High students and their parents are grappling with the tragedy.

“It’s just horrific, you know?” parent Kristina Culpepper told KSNV. “And I know this isn’t the outcome the parents wanted. I just feel so bad for them … Just hold your kids tight.”

Hin was reported missing on Dec. 30, 2024, according to a Jan. 5 news release from the City of Henderson.

According to authorities, police responded to a report on Jan. 5 that a dead body was found in the desert area east of Desert Sunflower Circle and Spanish Needle Street around 10:42 a.m. local time. When they arrived, they discovered a “deceased female.”

Prior to the confirmation of the identity of the body, authorities said that the deceased female matched the description of Hin.

“Henderson Detectives responded to the scene and based on preliminary investigations, there does not appear to be signs of foul play,” continued the city’s news release.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal and KSNV reported that Hin left her home in Henderson in the early evening hours of Dec. 30 following a family dispute.

“You don’t have to worry about me anymore,” Hin reportedly said at the time she departed home, according to Mark Speer of the nonprofit search group Red Rock Search and Rescue, the Las Vegas Review-Journal added.

Donna Oliva, whose husband is a longtime friend of Hin’s father, previously told KSNV that what happened to Hin is every parent’s worst nightmare. She also said Hin was planning on attending nursing school and that the teen was a straight-A student.

“She’s on course to graduate top of her class. She’s going places in life. So this is out of character,” Olivia told the outlet.

PEOPLE contacted Foothill High School on Tuesday, Jan. 7 for comment. Jonathan Synold, principal of Foothill High, recently sent a letter to the school community that was later shared by local Fox affiliate KVVU.

“It is with deep sympathy that I inform you of the passing of a Foothill High School student. It is never easy to lose a valuable life, especially at a young age, and we will truly remember this student as part of our Falcon community,” Synold, who did not name Hin in the letter, wrote.

“We are working to ensure students have the support and resources they need to get through this challenging time. Counselors and social workers will be available for students tomorrow in the library,” the letter continued.

Synold concluded his letter by asking parents to monitor signs of grief or behavioral changes that their child might be experiencing following the news of the student’s death and to keep the lines of communication open with them.

A GoFundMe was created to help Hin’s family pay for their loved one’s funeral expenses. As of Tuesday, the platform has raised over $2,400.

“Jenna was a beautiful 17-year-old girl with a bright future ahead of her,” read the fundraiser description. “Although she may not have always felt it, she was deeply loved by her Hin family and those around her.”

The description also included a message from Hin’s father, saying, “Jenna was a loving soul who simply wanted to be loved. She had the potential to live a beautiful, long and happy life. She loved animals, especially her dogs. Jenna was truly a wonderful person, both in heart and in spirit. She will be deeply missed, and her memory will forever live on in our hearts.”