Winter Garden, Florida — The Winter Garden community, along with friends and loved ones across Pennsylvania and beyond, is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Carissa Raquel Fleegle, 52, whose life was tragically taken on Saturday, November 1, in what authorities have described as a murder-suicide at her home on Broadwater Avenue.
According to the Winter Garden Police Department, officers were dispatched to the residence shortly before noon after receiving a welfare check request. Upon arrival, they discovered Carissa and her husband, Gary Robert Fleegle, 55, deceased inside the home. Investigators later confirmed that the incident was an apparent murder-suicide, leaving the tight-knit community in shock and disbelief.
For those who knew her, Carissa was far more than the victim of a tragic event—she was a loving mother, sister, and friend whose spirit radiated kindness, empathy, and strength. Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Carissa built a life defined by compassion and generosity. She later relocated to Florida, where she became deeply involved in her local community, always striving to uplift others through her warmth and positivity.
Friends describe Carissa as a woman whose smile could light up any room and whose laughter was infectious. She was known for her deep sense of care—both personally and professionally—and for the way she always made time for those in need. Whether it was offering words of encouragement, volunteering at local events, or simply being a comforting presence, Carissa’s compassion touched countless lives.
“She was one of the kindest people I’ve ever met,” said a close friend. “She made everyone feel seen and valued. Her loss is devastating beyond words.”
Family members have shared that Carissa was deeply loved and cherished by everyone who knew her. She adored spending time with her family and had an unshakable bond with her children and relatives back home in Pennsylvania. Many remember her as the heart of every gathering—someone who brought people together with love, humor, and grace.
The news of her passing has sent waves of grief through both the Winter Garden and Pennsylvania communities, with tributes flooding social media as friends and loved ones struggle to make sense of the tragedy. Vigils and memorial gatherings are being planned to honor her life and the impact she made on so many.
In an official statement, Winter Garden Police extended condolences to the families affected and confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the public. The department also encouraged residents to reach out for mental health support, emphasizing the importance of compassion and awareness in the wake of such devastating events.
As the community mourns, many are focusing on remembering the light Carissa brought into the world rather than the tragic way her life ended. Her story serves as a painful reminder of the silent struggles that can exist behind closed doors and the need for continued awareness surrounding domestic violence and mental health.
Carissa Raquel Fleegle will be remembered for her selflessness, her radiant spirit, and the countless ways she made life brighter for those around her. Though her life was cut tragically short, the love she gave and the joy she spread will continue to live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.
A memorial service is being organized by her family to celebrate her life and legacy, with details to be announced in the coming days. As loved ones gather to grieve, they hold tightly to the memory of a woman whose kindness, laughter, and love left an indelible mark on every life she touched.
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