Hundreds celebrate slain North Jersey veterinarian’s life with her favorite things
Saturday was an uplifting event that focused on Dr. Lauren Semanchik’s impact.
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Hundreds came to Ort Farms in Morris County Saturday for a festival to celebrate the lives of the victims of an August double homicide that rocked the community.
The festival was called “Love and Light.” It was a celebration of the life of Dr. Lauren Semanchik, the veterinarian who was killed by her ex-boyfriend, state trooper Ricardo Santos, in August. Her boyfriend, Tyler Webb, a volunteer fireman, was also killed.
Each of the victims had more than 1,000 people at their respective funeral services.
Saturday was an uplifting event that focused on Semanchik’s impact. Her family and her employer, Long Valley Animal Hospital, organized the event.
There were dogs up for adoption, food trucks, local vendors and live music all day - all things that the Semanchik family says were staples of her life. There was also a tribute for Webb from local fire departments.
“You can't ask for anything more for someone that you love so much,” said Webb’s sister, Angela Webb.
Admission was free, but the family asked for a contribution to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and a new nonprofit to be established in Semanchik’s name.
“She knew from the age of 3 years old that she wanted to be a veterinarian, and that has been her focus from that time on,” said Semanchik’s mother, Jennine Semanchik. “We're looking for people with that kind of focus and compassion towards animals.”
The event ended with a candlelight vigil, and words and performances from the Semanchik family.
“The people who have come out just open their hearts to us, that is just that's the thing that stands out the most to me,” said Jennine Semanchik.
“For all the right reasons, they were meant to be,” said Webb’s mother, Lisa Webb. “And now, they're going to live bigger and higher together.”
There is information on how to donate here.
