Relatives of the woman slain by her ex-boyfriend in a murder-suicide that occurred last week in Gratiot County’s North Shade Township are raising money to help her family pay for funeral expenses.
Reagan Torp, 23, of Portland, was killed during the early morning hours of June 14 by Christopher Szafran, 22, of St. Johns, when he entered the home of her current boyfriend in the 8000 block of Cleveland Road (M-57) east of Carson City and shot her to death before taking his own life, according to Gratiot County Sheriff Mike Morris.
Torp’s boyfriend, 34, was also shot by Szafran but survived and called police.
A GoFundMe page has been set up by Candi Ottgen, who is organizing the fundraiser.
As of Monday nearly $6,000 of the $15,000 goal had been raised.
“With great sadness I am asking for prayers and any small donations you would be able to make,” Ottgen wrote.
“Reagan was taken from her loved ones so tragically and young. There of course was no way to prepare for this loss and the financial and emotional burden it puts on her family.”
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Torp's mother and father, Mark and Missy Torp, had also recently lost their last remaining parent, who passed away in March, Ottgen noted.
"Any help and prayers are greatly appreciated.
The funds will go toward the (funeral) service and provide Missy and Mark the ability to take this time and grieve the loss of their beautiful daughter," Ottgen concluded.
A candlelight vigil was held this past weekend in memory of Torp, and a "celebration of life" is scheduled to take place Aug. 14 with more details to be released at a later date.
