Kennedy Carly Columbus

Kennedy Carly Columbus, a 17-year old senior at Chazy Rural School, was killed instantly when a tree fell on her car as she drove home from a horseback riding lesson on June 20, 2025.  

Kennedy entered this world on July 3, 2007 on her own terms. She was born in a matter of hours, within a day of her due date. And that was just the beginning: Kennedy was a force to be reckoned with. As a toddler, some would call her stubborn, but Kennedy’s great-grandfather, Bud, would correct them. “She’s strong-willed,” he’d say. She had a beautiful smile, a fierce spirit, and a heart of gold.  She was filled with determination; she knew what she wanted and how it should be done. 

As Kennedy grew and entered school, she participated in many activities: gymnastics, horseback riding, dance, ice skating, Girl Scouts, basketball and softball. She was hardworking, diligent, kind, and compassionate. 

In high school, she excelled in extracurricular activities that focused on helping others, including Chazy Eagle Buddies, SADD, Relay for Life, Clinton County Youth Court, Social Issues Club and Leo Club.  She was in her ninth year as a member of the Tangled Reins 4H Club and loved her club and members dearly. Kennedy loved to be involved in her school and her world, and took every opportunity she could that came her way.  She participated in the Sweethearts and Heroes training in the fall of her senior year, which deeply touched her heart and further solidified her commitment to helping others. She spent her senior year as a member of the Youth Summit Leadership Team bringing their message to the younger students at Chazy.

She also continued with softball, basketball and horse riding, where she regularly participated in horse shows competing in Showmanship, Western, English, Ranch and Trail.  She did this all with her heart horse, Nevaeh. Kennedy and Nevaeh started training together as a young inexperienced pair, but over nine years together, they mastered their craft. Kennedy’s final show was one week before she died. She was thrilled with how she and Nevaeh handled the classes and said it was their best show yet. Kennedy participated in horse shows for the love of being with her horse and her friends – not the ribbons. 

The love of softball also ran through Kennedy’s veins and she developed into an amazing pitcher, breaking records and beating her own personal goals.  Kennedy played varsity softball starting in 9th grade through her senior year. She was named First Team All Star MVAC for the past three years, and just received the honor of having a NYS All State Softball team designation.  She achieved her 300th strike-out this spring, a milestone she didn’t even realize until the game was stopped and she was acknowledged and given the game ball.  Kennedy’s coach commented that he worried about the pressure that Kennedy put on herself to perform well during games. “If I saw her make a mistake, I worried about her,” “But if I saw her make a mistake and then turn and smile…I worried about the other team.”  Kennedy truly loved the girls on her high school softball team, as well as the girls on her travel team the Lady Mariners. 

Late in her junior year of high school, Kennedy decided that she wanted to continue playing softball in college. She fell in love with Hilbert College and was looking forward to playing Division III softball this fall as a Hilbert Hawk. She had already made plans to try and bring Sweethearts and Heroes to local schools near her new college.

Kennedy was always an athlete, but first she was a scholar. She took every assignment or task seriously and gave it her best. She achieved High Honor Roll every quarter from grades seven through twelve. She was a member of the National Honor Society, and participated in Model UN and Harvard Model UN.

She was also a gifted musician: playing the trumpet and singing in her school chorus. She participated in NYSSMA Majors and All County Chorus.

In college, she wanted to study forensic science with a long term goal of becoming a pathologist. There is no doubt she would have accomplished these goals. 

Kennedy is survived by her mom and dad, Heidi Dennis and Roger Columbus, and her big brother, Caden. She is also survived by her grandmothers, Nancy Dennis and Suzanne Columbus, her aunt, Carly Dennis and cousins, Harris and Dennis, and her uncle, Alan (Beth) Columbus and cousins, Alana and Katelyn. Kennedy also leaves behind her beloved horse, Nevaeh, her dogs, Spencer, Liberty and Millie, her cat, Molly, and close friends including Eryn, Hadley and Pierce, in addition to many other friends, classmates, peers, teachers, fellow riders, and her softball teams and coaches.  She is predeceased by her grandfathers, Charles Dennis and Alan Columbus. 

We believe that Kennedy was needed for bigger tasks than those she aspired to here on earth. Kennedy, we miss you immeasurably. We love you forever, and we will always seek to better ourselves by carrying out your missions and supporting your passions.  Love you Bean.

The family will receive friends from 3pm to 7pm on Monday, June 30th at the Ross Funeral Home, 2586 Route 11 in Mooers, NY. Services will be held at 10am on Tuesday, July 1st at St. Peter's Church at 114 Cornelia Street in Plattsburgh, NY. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the gofundme page established to bless those causes Kennedy loved most.

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