Kayleigh Hustosky was a 21-year-old woman from Akron, Ohio, who was unfortunately shot and killed by police in an unintended shooting in 2018. Her story and life continue to be of interest today, as there are many individuals looking for her obituary and trying to figure out what happened to her.
So why is she still being searched for in 2025? Because it was unexpected, it was sad, and it raised far too many questions. She was young and had her whole life ahead of her. Her story is still not forgotten. This article will describe who she was, what happened, and why she will be remembered.
Quick Facts About Kayleigh Hustosky
| Fact | Details |
| Full Name | Kayleigh Hustosky |
| Age at Death | 21 years old |
| Hometown | Akron, Ohio |
| Date of Death | August 2018 |
| Cause of Death | Police-involved shooting |
| Incident Location | Gates Mills, Ohio |
| Obituary Published On | Dunn-Quigley Funeral Homes, Brandon’s Restaurant |
| Known For | Being kind, strong, and full of life |
| Burial/Funeral Info | Akron, Ohio — Private service |
| Media Coverage | Cleveland.com, AP News |
Who Was Kayleigh Hustosky?
Kayleigh Hustosky, a young woman from Ohio, was only 21 when she was tragically taken from us. She had her whole life in front of her. Kayleigh had hope, she had concern for her family, and she was a young woman for whom many people had strong feelings.
She lived in Akron, Ohio, and attended Garfield High School. After high school, she was a hard worker and was characterized as being resilient, a good friend, a good person, really happy, and kind. She was not a fame or notoriety seeker, but she had an indelible impact on every person she met.
What Happened to Kayleigh?
A tragic event happened in August 2018. Kayleigh Hustosky was shot and killed by an officer with the police department in Gates Mills, Ohio. It was shocking and completely devastating for her family and many others. Cleveland.com reported Kayleigh had been involved in a car accident prior to being shot. After that accident, she reportedly ran into the woods. The police stated she was holding a gun, and the officers ordered her to drop the gun, and ultimately shot her.
Kayleigh was shot by a Gates Mills police officer at this event. Tragically, she died on the scene. She was 21 years old.
As you can imagine, many people had questions. Why did this happen? Could it have been prevented? Her family, friends, and community were all in shock.
A Community in Mourning
After Kayleigh passed away, her family posted her obituary online, and it showed up in several places, for example, on Dunn-Quigley Funeral Homes, where people left memories, prayers, and other kind words.
She was described as strong and sweet by her loved ones. She had some obstacles and hardships that went along with being a young person, yet she persevered. People remembered her bright smile, and remembered that she cared for people even in hard times.
Her death was not just a “local tragedy,” it became a news story throughout the state, and in some instances, made it to national news through various outlets. This comprises how important and powerful Kayleigh’s story was. It was not just a moment; it was a young woman who had her life taken, tragically.
Why are people still searching for her?
You may be asking yourself why, years later, people are still looking for Kayleigh Hustosky’s obituary. It comes down to the simple fact that her story stayed with people. It’s the kind of story that gives you pause for reflection. It reminds you that life is fragile and that we all have stories that deserve to be told.
People are also still searching because they are searching for answers. Some may feel the situation did not get enough media attention. Some may simply want to remember her, especially the people who knew her, or were affected by her death. Some people may even be looking to learn from what happened — to understand it, to prevent it from happening again, or to simply honour her life.
Let’s stop here for now — we will talk more about the police response, the investigation, details from her funeral, and how people are remembering Kayleigh in 2025 and beyond in the second half of the article.
The Police Response and Questions that Followed
After the shooting, many people began to ask serious questions. Why did this happen? Did it really have to end like this? The police stated Kayleigh had a gun and simply did not follow their command to drop it, yet some people felt this did not provide enough context for why the actions taken were justified.
This was not an ordinary news story. It ended up becoming part of a much larger conversation. This fed a discussion around how police deal with young people in difficult situations. Some people thought that if more training had been done or some different actions had taken place, Kayleigh would have been saved. Other people supported the police and how they acted in a moment when they had a split second to make a decision to do what they felt was best in a scary world.
Regardless of what side people were on, one thing was clear: they were all sad that a young woman had lost her life. For many people, it made them reflect on how easily life can change, and how each of us should look after every life as a precious life.
The Funeral & Goodbye
Kayleigh Hustosky’s funeral took place in Akron, Ohio, the hometown of her family. Her family and close friends came to say goodbye. It was a quiet, respectful, and emotional service.
Many people spoke and shared their stories and memories of Kayleigh. Some were stories about her smile, her heart of gold, and the tough spirit she had. Some people mentioned that she had been through, but didn’t stay down. People agreed she had left us too soon. People were sad, but they did a good job of sharing a lot of love even while sad.
Kayleigh’s obituary on Brandon’s Restaurant Tribute Page showed how much she meant to her people and even some who had not seen her for a long time, but were able to leave a message and contribute to her tribute. Kayleigh had a meaningful impact on many lives, whether for a short while or of lasting duration.
Remembering Kayleigh in 2025
Fast forward a few years, and people are still talking about Kayleigh Hustosky. They are still searching for her obituary online, as they are trying to find out about her and her story. Some are now learning about what happened for the first time. Others remembered her because they, at one point, knew her or were impacted by what transpired.
Kayleigh may not still be here with us, but her story is important and reminds us of how quickly life changes. Kayleigh’s story explains the pain of losing someone who had so much life ahead of her and who was full of hope.
In two years from now, people will search her name because they care. They want to remember, honour, and perhaps learn some lessons from what happened. Kayleigh’s life may have been such a short existence, but her story will not be forgotten.
Final Thoughts
Losing someone like Kayleigh Hustosky is not an easy process. In fact, her death occurred in a sudden, heartbreaking way, and it left countless others with unanswered questions. However, through the sadness and tragedy, there are ways for people to keep the memory of Kayleigh alive.
The Kayleigh Hustosky obituary is more than a few sentences and a few statements. It is a reminder of a real person with her own dreams, challenges, heartache, and kindness. Kayleigh’s story can help all of us look more closely, care more, and treat everyday life as precious.
Going forward, let us remember Kayleigh. Let us keep telling her story, remembering her name, and hoping no family ever has to deal with the loss process we all are dealing with.
FAQs
Who was Kayleigh Hustosky?
Kayleigh Hustosky was a 21-year-old woman from Akron, Ohio, who passed away in 2018 after being shot by police in Gates Mills.
What happened to Kayleigh Hustosky?
She was involved in a police-related shooting after a car crash and a foot chase. Police reported that she had a weapon and didn’t follow orders.
When did Kayleigh Hustosky die?
She died in August 2018 during a police incident in Gates Mills, Ohio.
Where can I find Kayleigh Hustosky’s obituary?
You can find her obituary on Dunn-Quigley Funeral Homes and other tribute pages like Brandon’s Restaurant.
Why is Kayleigh Hustosky’s story still talked about in 2025?
Her tragic story still touches people and raises questions about police use of force and how such cases are handled.
Was there any investigation into her death?
Yes, an investigation was conducted, and the officer involved was placed on leave, as reported by Cleveland.com.
