The tragic death of Emily Finn, a vibrant and talented teenager, has left her family and community reeling with grief. The words of wisdom she shared with her mother, Cliantha Miller-Finn, just weeks before her untimely passing still echo in her mother’s ears. “Anger is just the result of hurt,” Emily had said, offering a profound insight into the complexities of human emotions.
Emily’s life was celebrated at a funeral held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sayville, where she had been baptized and received her first communion. The church was filled to capacity as friends, family, and well-wishers gathered to pay their respects to the young dancer whose life was cut short by senseless violence.
In a heart-wrenching eulogy, Cliantha Miller-Finn described her daughter as a “pure angel,” highlighting Emily’s dedication to serving others as a Girl Scout and her passion for teaching and dance. Despite her young age, Emily had already set her sights on a career in education, with plans to teach and share her love of dance with others.
The tragic events that led to Emily’s death unfolded on November 26, when her ex-boyfriend, Austin Lynch, allegedly shot and killed her in a botched murder-suicide attempt. The breakup of their three-year relationship had left Lynch heartbroken, according to a family friend, leading to the devastating act of violence that claimed Emily’s life.
As the community mourns the loss of Emily, her spirit lives on in the memories of those who knew and loved her. At the funeral, attendees were encouraged to wear pink, Emily’s favorite color, and make donations to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence in her honor.
Despite the pain and unanswered questions that linger in the wake of Emily’s death, Cliantha Miller-Finn finds comfort in the signs she believes her daughter is sending from beyond the grave. From flickering lights to the sound of a lost cat meowing outside the wake, Miller-Finn sees these as messages of peace and reassurance from Emily.
As she grapples with her grief, Miller-Finn reflects on Emily’s words about anger and hurt, finding solace in the wisdom her daughter shared. While the wounds left by Emily’s passing will take time to heal, her memory will continue to inspire and uplift those who were touched by her light.
In the face of tragedy, the community comes together to honor Emily Finn’s life and legacy, holding onto the love and joy she brought into the world. As they grieve her loss, they also celebrate the impact she had during her time on earth, ensuring that her spirit will never be forgotten.
