TAMPA, FL — The Tampa community is grappling with shock and sorrow following the tragic and untimely passing of Kayla Alexis Souto, who was found deceased in her apartment in the early morning hours of June 15, 2025. She was just 34 years old.

The loss of a young life always reverberates through a community in unexpected ways. For Tampa residents, the news of Kayla Alexis Souto’s sudden death has triggered waves of grief, reflection, and questions that linger in the silence left behind by her absence. At only 34 years old, Kayla’s death feels all the more tragic, cutting short a life that, according to those close to her, was filled with ambition, compassion, and a deep love for people.

Kayla was found unresponsive in her apartment in the early morning hours of Saturday, June 15, 2025. Authorities were called to the residence shortly after 6:00 a.m., when a concerned friend, unable to reach her after repeated attempts, contacted emergency services. Responding personnel quickly arrived at the scene, but despite their best efforts, she was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

The cause of her death has not yet been publicly disclosed, and as the investigation continues, speculation swirls. At this stage, the Tampa Police Department has not released any indication of foul play. An autopsy is currently being conducted by the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the precise cause.

News of her passing spread rapidly across social media, where friends, family members, former classmates, and even strangers posted heartfelt tributes in remembrance of her spirit and presence. Photos, memories, and anecdotes have flooded timelines, painting a picture of a woman who deeply touched those around her.

“She was a light in so many people’s lives,” one commenter wrote. “No matter what was going on in her own world, she always had time for others. Always.”

Kayla was known throughout the Tampa area for her commitment to community service and her involvement in various outreach programs. Whether helping coordinate local food drives, volunteering at women’s shelters, or assisting with educational events for underprivileged youth, she exemplified the spirit of giving back. Those who volunteered with her often remarked on her fierce belief that every person deserved kindness and dignity.

Colleagues who worked with her described Kayla as dependable, driven, and passionate. A former co-worker shared, “You could always count on her to go the extra mile. She never just showed up—she showed up with purpose.”

Family members are now grappling with the unimaginable loss. In a brief statement issued by relatives, they expressed profound grief and asked for privacy while they make arrangements and begin to mourn in peace. “Kayla’s life was a gift to us all. We are heartbroken, but we are also grateful to have had her in our lives for as long as we did.”

Friends of Kayla have begun organizing a candlelight vigil to honor her life, set to take place in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park—a spot Kayla loved for its peaceful view of the Hillsborough River and its sense of open calm. Organizers hope the event will be a chance for the community to come together, celebrate her life, and offer mutual comfort during a time of profound sorrow.

“She loved that park,” said one friend who is helping coordinate the vigil. “She said it made her feel grounded and reminded her that there was still beauty in the world, even on hard days.”

In addition to the vigil, a local nonprofit that Kayla supported throughout the years is planning to launch a scholarship fund in her name, dedicated to supporting young women interested in community leadership and advocacy. “It’s what she would have wanted,” said one organizer. “To keep helping others. That was Kayla’s way.”

Kayla’s neighbors have also felt the impact of her passing. She was the kind of person who took the time to know people, offering a smile, helping carry groceries, checking in on elderly residents, and organizing neighborhood events. The complex where she lived has become a site of quiet mourning, with flowers, candles, and cards left outside her door.

“She made this place feel like a community,” said one neighbor. “Not everyone does that. Most people live in their own little world, but not her.”

As more people share stories of how Kayla impacted their lives, it’s clear that she leaves behind a legacy not only of kindness and selflessness but also of unwavering strength. Several people spoke of how she endured personal struggles of her own, yet never let those hardships define her. Instead, she used them to connect more deeply with others, offering empathy and understanding where many would turn away.

“She helped me through one of the darkest times in my life,” one person shared anonymously online. “I never told her how much that meant. I wish I had.”

While her passing has raised questions that may not be fully answered for weeks or even months, the outpouring of grief is accompanied by a profound sense of appreciation. Those who knew her are making a conscious effort to focus not just on the circumstances of her death but on the beauty, impact, and memories of her life.

Several faith leaders in Tampa have spoken about the communal importance of mourning in unity. A local pastor who knew Kayla personally said during a Sunday service, “When someone who brought light leaves this world, it is our duty to carry that light forward. We must be her voice now. Her compassion, her laughter, her heart—they don’t disappear. They live in us.”

Despite the pain, the story of Kayla’s life continues to inspire, reminding people that even small acts of love and connection can echo long after we’re gone. A local journalist who had interviewed Kayla years ago for a profile on community advocates said, “She had a fire in her to make the world better, even if just one life at a time. That’s the legacy she leaves behind.”

In the coming days, more details about funeral services and memorials will be made available. For now, her family and close friends are asking for space as they begin navigating the enormity of this loss. Donations to assist with funeral expenses and the forthcoming scholarship initiative can be made through verified channels, which will be posted soon.

Tampa has lost not just a resident but a champion of kindness. While her voice may be silenced, her message and mission live on in the countless lives she touched. As one friend put it simply, “She was love in motion.”

And that is how she will be remembered.

If you or someone you know is struggling with grief or loss, resources are available. Please reach out to local support services or helplines for comfort and assistance. You’re not alone.