Heartbreaking Tragedy Leaves Four Young Girls Orphaned, Family Seeks Support
On August 26, 2024, a tragic murder-suicide in Brushfork, West Virginia, devastated a family and left four young sisters orphaned. The tragic events unfolded early that morning when a domestic incident escalated into violence at the home of 26-year-old TonyaNika Gray. Her estranged partner, who had reportedly refused to leave the residence, took her life in front of family members, including her four young daughters. Authorities later found the man at his home in Bluefield, where he had died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The young sisters—Zi’Andrea (8), Aubrianna (6), Avalynn (5), and Zaniyah (2)—were left without their mother and father. In the immediate aftermath, the girls’ maternal grandmother, Felicia Gray, stepped in to provide them with a loving home. Sadly, while grieving her daughter’s loss and coping with the trauma of the events, Felicia’s health rapidly declined. She was hospitalized on September 2, 2024, and, although scheduled for discharge on September 6, she passed away that very day, leaving her family reeling from yet another heartbreaking loss.
To honor the memory of both TonyaNika and Felicia, the family is now rallying to provide the four girls with the love and stability they need. Their aunt, Selena Gray, has taken on the role of their guardian, caring for the young sisters as well as her 16-year-old sibling, who was also left behind. The family has relocated from West Virginia to North Carolina to start a new chapter together, but they are in urgent need of community support to rebuild their lives.
A GoFundMe campaign has been created to help cover the costs of food, clothing, school supplies, bedding, car seats, and other essentials the girls now lack. As of the time of this article, $15,264 has been raised to support them. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a difference in providing stability for these young girls during an incredibly difficult time.Funeral services for Felicia and TonyaNika Gray were held on September 13, 2024, at Calvary United Holy Church in Bluefield, WV. The family appreciates the outpouring of support and asks the community to continue to keep them in their thoughts and prayers.
For those who wish to support, donations can be made through the family’s GoFundMe page.We would also like to thank Renee, TonyaNika’s cousin’s cousin, who originally shared this story with her followers on TikTok. Her video has helped raise awareness of the family’s situation and the support they need. You can view her Tiktok for her full story.
@justcallme_renee RIP TonyaNika and Felicia 😢 2024 has been a rough one!
