Her story
Dev was the kind of person who made everything feel more fun, more alive, and a little more unforgettable. She was outgoing, adventurous, and always ready for whatever came next—whether that meant traveling somewhere new, skiing, going to a concert, or just being surrounded by friends and good energy.
She loved to celebrate life—any excuse to dress up, go out, laugh, and make memories. Her calendar was always full, and wherever she went, people were drawn to her. Not because she tried to be the center of attention, but because her energy just was.
At the same time, she was incredibly loyal and caring. She showed up for the people she loved, stayed connected, and made sure they knew they mattered. Her family, her close friends, and her dog Compass were everything to her.
Dev lived life fully, loved deeply, and brought a kind of light that stays with you..
She was everything
She will always be timeless and unforgettable—someone who left behind countless stories, beautiful memories, and moments that will never fade. She was both beautiful and fearless. There is a profound sense of what could have been—more moments, more memories, and more time with someone so deeply loved.
Compass was her everything—and now they’re side by side again.
Shared stories …
She had so many people who loved her, and I know she was a best friend to many—but to me, she was my best friend.
She was the one I turned to for everything—the one who could calm the storm with just a few words, even if it was as simple as, “just get over it.” And somehow, she was always right.
Because I had her when I was young, our lives grew side by side. In so many ways, we didn’t just share life—we built it together. She helped shape the woman I became. Every decision I made, every goal I chased, was with her in my heart. I worked to give her the world, and as she began to create her own, I worked even harder—just to make her proud.
She stood beside me as my maid of honor and gave a toast I will carry with me for the rest of my life. In that moment, I didn’t just see my daughter—I saw the strength, grace, and light she carried into this world.
She has been my inspiration in how to love deeply, live fully, and show up for others with authenticity and heart.
And while she is no longer here in the way we wish, her presence has not left us. It lives on—in the way we love harder, in the way we choose joy even through pain, in the quiet moments where we feel her strength guiding us forward.
She wasn’t just part of my life… she was my whole heart.
And that kind of love doesn’t end—it transforms, it expands, and it continues.
—April Vavra-Fong, (Mom)
Dev had a way of turning simple moments into something unforgettable. She loved board games, and whenever she came over, she never arrived empty-handed—always bringing a stack, ready to laugh, compete, and connect. Aspen lived for those moments.
That last Christmas, we spent the entire day gathered around the table, playing game after game, losing track of time as laughter filled the room. Long after the night should have ended, it didn’t.
When morning came, we found Aspen and Dev still awake—side by side, having stayed up all night, now completely wrapped up in a Stranger Things marathon. Time didn’t matter to them. Being together was enough.
Aspen always craved time with her, and even with an 18-year age difference, you would have never known. When they were together, there was no gap—only connection, joy, and a bond that felt effortless and real.
That was Dev’s gift. She met people where they were, made them feel seen, and created moments that stayed with you long after they passed.
And those moments… they don’t fade.
They become part of who we are.
They become part of her legacy.
—April Vavra-Fong, (Mom)
Dev had a gift for connection—even in the quietest hours of the night. She loved late-night texting and was unbelievably fast at it, somehow carrying on multiple conversations at once without ever missing a beat.
At 2 a.m., she’d be sending her brother and sister jokes and memes—little bursts of laughter when the world was asleep. With me, every message felt urgent, like it couldn’t wait until morning. It was things like, “I need pictures of animals walking by the home camera—stat… we made up a game and we’re running out,” or some completely random fact she was convinced I needed to know immediately… like how much she loved potatoes.
And she truly did love potatoes. I’ll never forget sitting at Texas Roadhouse while she confidently ordered fries, mashed potatoes, and a baked potato—nothing else. She once said owning a baked potato food truck was on her bucket list, and knowing her, she would have made it something unforgettable.
What felt like small, unimportant texts at the time… were never small at all. They were her way of showing up, of reaching out, of keeping us all connected in the most effortless and genuine way.
She had a way of making ordinary moments feel special—and now those late-night messages, those random thoughts, those little pieces of her… mean everything.
I will miss those “unimportant” texts the most.
Because they were never unimportant.
They were her.
And that kind of connection—the kind she gave so freely—doesn’t disappear. It stays with us, reminding us to reach out, to laugh more, and to never take a single moment for granted.
—April Vavra-Fong, (Mom)
I met Dev on the first day of a spring semester class in college, when we fortuitously sat next to each other. I was so taken by her that I asked her out almost immediately—well, it did take me a couple of days.
I think that was a common experience with Dev—she had such a singular personality that made her unforgettable. I met her at a time in my life when my horizons were broadening, and she met me right there in that moment. She was always ravenous for new experiences and lived her life with such fervor, intensity, and romanticism, qualities that inspired me and, over time, became a part of me.
She was truly a force of nature and had a profound impact on my life in ways I’m still discovering to this day. I was always so happy to see her continue to travel, stay close to the family she loved so fiercely, and never lose that passionate energy that made her who she was.
Devin, you are one of a kind, and you will be so deeply missed. I am heartbroken to lose you, but also warmed and comforted by the memories I carry of you.
-Alex Nendza (friend)
Dev shared a toast at my wedding two and a half years ago and was as clever, witty and charming as ever.
I always thought I would have the chance repay the favor one day, but life rarely works out the way you expect, and her life was cut short last week at just 29 years old. We laid Dev to rest yesterday and I recited the words of Saint Paul, the closest I will ever come to the wedding toast I had hoped to give. 11 years of friendship went by like the blink of the eye, and I’ll miss her as long as I live.
-Ethan Wade (friend)
I loved Dev Searcey for more than 15 years, but I never thought those few years would turn out to be a lifetime. She was one of the most impactful, vibrant people in my world. I don't know who I would have been without her. I feel robbed of all the future memories that we'll never get the chance to make. I know that she had more experiences and adventures waiting for her. I truly cannot comprehend how someone so full of life can just be gone.
Dev truly was one of a kind and meant so much to me, and I feel incredibly lucky to have known her. She brought adventure, humor, and light wherever she went, and she will never be forgotten. Devin was my first real best friend. She was my secret keeper, the first person I turned to in times of joy and heartbreak, and the one person I always knew I could count on. I started my freshman year at North Star knowing almost no one, coming from a small private school. Devin was friends with some of the girls I met during volleyball conditioning, and we were both taking advanced classes, so we ended up in the same social circle. It didn’t take long for us to hit it off. Before I knew it, we were inseparable. We felt more like sisters than friends. We even organized our schedules to maximize the number of classes we had together—which included me joining women’s choir, because Devin was a true performer and there was no way she was dropping that class.
Outside of school, we were always together. I wouldn’t be surprised if I spent more time at her grandma’s house than at my own. We would eat Chinese takeout or spaghetti (with sugar added to the sauce) on her bedroom floor and watch Korean dramas, old films starring Cary Grant, or movies that were banned in other countries. We loved playing games too—especially one we made up called Jafar. It was a chaotic combination of Guess Who and Connect Four, with complicated rules that took at least an hour to play. It was ridiculous and perfect.
Devin was a talented baker and incredibly generous. She brought treats to school regularly and wasn’t afraid to experiment with unconventional combinations—like bacon cupcakes. For my 16th birthday, she made me an incredible three-tiered pink zebra cake. I’m hoping I can track down a photo from that day, as it was one of the best birthdays I’ve ever had. Devin always wanted to be doing something, so on weekends her dad would take us to hockey and baseball games, or we would get tickets to a concert or show. She introduced me to so many things.
One of my favorite high school memories with her was her 15th or 16th birthday party. Her mom booked us a hotel room, and we had the pool area to ourselves. After swimming, we had chocolate-covered strawberries and danced to our favorite music. It was the coolest party, and she gave out gorgeous peach-colored floral candles as favors. All these years later, I still have mine on display in my room because it’s too pretty to light.
Another favorite memory was taking Polaroids and dancing the night away at her mom’s wedding. Devin and her parents had a way of making everything an experience—there was never a dull moment when I was with her.
When she decided to move to Colorado with her mom, it crushed me. I would get teary-eyed any time I thought about it. I was terrified our friendship wouldn’t survive the distance, but we made it work. On school breaks, her parents generously hosted me—sometimes for multiple weeks at a time. I would take the train from Lincoln to Denver to visit her, and when we finally got cars of our own, we would take road trips to see each other. I’ll never forget the two of us driving ten hours in the middle of summer with no AC. It was so hot we stopped at Lake McConaughy just to cool off. Through college and into adulthood, we continued our back-and-forth visits. So many of my best college memories include her. I credit Devin for shaping my love of travel and adventure. She was a risk-taker who lived fearlessly. My legs are still scarred from some of the crazy climbs she took me on in the mountains.
I always admired her spirit and confidence to be unapologetically herself. Dev was the life of the party and shone so brightly she could light up any room. She had a way of leaving her mark on anyone lucky enough to know her. My mom hasn’t seen Devin in 13 years, but she still thinks of her every time a Florence + The Machine song plays. As adults, we didn’t see each other as often, but whenever we did, it felt like no time had passed. We would joke about how our brothers have mustaches now, complain about the government, share the secrets of our hearts, and drink all things bubbly. After all these years, I never doubted that Dev would always be one of my best friends.
There were still so many things we planned to do together—being bridesmaids in each other’s weddings, taking trips, seeing Taylor Swift again. Now those moments won’t happen, and that loss is not something I am ready to accept. Devin was so full of life that I can’t comprehend a world without her in it. None of this makes sense. The world already feels darker without her fiery light.
-Tanner Ogden (friend)
Devin didn’t just encourage me to become a better photographer—she challenged me to become a better, braver version of myself.
She had this way of pushing past limits, of seeing more in people than they often saw in themselves. Because of her, I stepped outside of what was familiar and comfortable and began to embrace who I truly am. She opened my world in ways I will always carry with me.
I am endlessly grateful for the trips she planned, the moments she created, and the things she so generously shared—her perspective, her creativity, her energy. She didn’t just experience life—she brought people with her and made sure they felt every part of it.
This memory is from one of our many trips to Denver, exploring the city together and turning ordinary moments into something meaningful—something lasting. That’s who she was. She made life feel bigger, brighter, and more alive.
Because of her, I see the world differently.
Because of her, I show up differently.
And that is a gift that will never fade.
—Devin Richter, (friend)
What started as a random night at her apartment turned into something unforgettable.
We ended up out by her Prius, and somehow that turned into an edgy, spontaneous photoshoot—just because she felt like it. That was Devin. Never predictable. Never ordinary. Never a dull moment.
She was someone who left a lasting imprint on my life. In many ways, we were opposites—but that’s exactly what made her impact so powerful. She challenged me in ways that brought me closer to myself than I had ever been. She encouraged me to ask the questions I was too afraid to ask and to step into spaces I might have otherwise avoided.
She stretched me, refined me, and helped me grow into someone stronger and more confident. Some of my favorite memories are running around Denver and Colorado Springs together—exploring, creating, and capturing moments while she gave me the freedom to develop my photography. She believed in me in a way that changed how I saw my work and my future.
Devin had an incredible sense of style, a bold and fearless spirit, and a fire for what she believed in. She was the kind of person who lit up a room—truly the life of the party—but also someone who left people better than she found them.
It’s impossible to capture a life like hers in a single message. No words could ever fully hold who Devin was.
But what I do know is this—
her impact didn’t end with her presence.
It lives on in the people she shaped,
the confidence she inspired,
and the lives she changed.
And I will carry that with me always.
—Devin Richter, (friend)
She was a force—always pushing boundaries, always creating moments that felt bigger than the day itself.
This particular memory brings us to the Denver Botanic Gardens, where even something as simple as walking among the flowers became something more—something memorable—simply because she was there.
We cannot replace her or bring her back, so we hold her close in the way that remains—through memory. The meals we shared, the laughter that filled every gathering, the energy she carried into every room… those pieces of her are still with us.
I’ll always think of our trips to Denver—grabbing drinks, wandering through the city, picking out flowers at Union Station after visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver. They were simple moments, but with her, they became something lasting—something unforgettable.
That was her gift. She didn’t just live life—she elevated it. She turned ordinary days into something worth holding onto.
And while we miss her deeply, what she gave us still remains—
in the memories we carry,
in the joy she created,
and in the way she taught us to truly experience life.
—Devin Richter, (friend)
Dev was one of my very first friends in Colorado—and from the start, life with her was anything but ordinary.
We both lived at Trivista, and I’ll never forget the night she had me search her apartment for “intruders”, armed with nothing but a cast iron skillet. That was her… equal parts fearless, spontaneous, and completely unforgettable.
My favorite memory was us dancing at Red Rocks in peanut butter and jelly costumes. It was simple, a little ridiculous, and a lot of fun.
I’ll miss our hangs and our summer pool days. Dev, I’ll be sure to order a green tea shot in your honor.
—Matt Gill (friend)
Devin, You will always be one of my best friends, along with one of the most fierce and loyal souls I have ever had the luck of encountering.
How we met was unorthodox but to this day is still one of our favorite stories… The Niche was having a Swiftmas at the end of 2021, I attended and posted pictures. One of my friends from my hometown messaged me to tell me she knew the girl whose mom owned the store, and that she was a huge swiftie and thought we’d make good friends… she was right. She sent me your Instagram and I slid into your dm’s like a creepy old man, but you didn’t respond to me with an ounce of discomfort. Instead, you started planning a dinner date for us. You were always excited to make new friends and create unique memories. We hit it off and that was that, you instantaneously became one of my closest friends; the friend that I could say absolutely anything to, no matter how unhinged.
You made me laugh harder than anyone with your quick wit and vivacious personality. You were loud and weren’t afraid to stand your ground when needed, even as petite as you were. My life will never be the same without you in my corner, and I am dreading the day I have some hot goss to share and you’re not here to hear it.
If I’ve learned anything from this; it’s to accept as many invites with your loved ones as you possibly can, to take more photos with the people you love, and to try to hold on to every last word they say. I have so many regrets that I know you wouldn’t want me to obsess over, or maybe you would, but regardless, in your honor I am going to live as freely as possible; the way you always did.
There will forever be a Devin shaped hole in my heart and no event in my life will ever feel complete without you there… And while I am overtly aware that there are more bad days to come, I find comfort in the fact that I got to know you for the time that I did, even though it wasn’t nearly enough.
I love you to the and to Dev. Rest In Chaos. - Ashley Barrie (friend)
There are too many amazing memories with Dev that I can’t pick just one.
But I know this—every time we’re at Chili’s, Olive Garden, Arby’s, Burger King, Mr. Kim’s, White Castle, Runza, Applebee’s, Cheesecake Factory, Maggiano’s and especially McDonald’s … she’s absolutely going to be there with us.
—Will & Nick (friends)
Living with Dev, I could write a book.
But one night captures her perfectly. During a blood moon, we drove up to Lookout Mountain, grabbed a bunch of random candles from the TV stand, and sat in the Jag overlooking the moon—burning sage and manifesting our future love and success, the lives we just knew were waiting for us.
She was so deeply loved.
And she always will be.
—Jordan Karpinski, (friend)
Dev, we made it through some tough times together.
You helped hold me together when I was at one of my lowest points in my life. The World feels emptier knowing that you are no longer in it. 🤍
—Bobby (friend)
Dev was one of the first friends I made in Denver.
She was so many firsts for me really. My first Red Rocks show, the first person to check on me whenever I needed it most. She was so loved and will forever be remembered.
-Sarah Davis (friend)
One of my favorite memories of Dev was visiting her at Trivista over the holidays—
I swear she had at least six Christmas trees, all perfectly decorated. She always had amazing Christmas decorations, always making the Holidays Dressed to the Gods, OF COURSE!.
-Nicholas Dimauro (friend)
I sat across from this ginger Audrey Hepburn creature at my third time left dinner.
She instantly adopted me: loving me, including me, surprising me. Her door was always open to me and she felt like home in a world that felt lonely. She could tell what I needed… even when I couldn’t say it out loud.
And that was her gift—
she saw people, truly saw them,
and loved them in a way that made them feel less alone.
I will carry that feeling with me always.
-Nisha (friend)
Dev where do I begin,
a shining light that burned so brightly and beautifully. She was the friend I could call at 2am if I really needed someone to talk to. The friend that was always down for the fun story and doing something just for the plot. Unapologetic and free, inspiring me to speak my mind more, love more deeply, and be the person she was never afraid to be. In every moment of life I know your energy will carry through, in everything I do, and everything you never got a chance to do. I love you Dev. 🕊️
-Maddie Stackhouse (friend)
Dev, I tend to be attracted to friends that have qualities that I don’t, and you were one of those friends.
You were strong-minded, confident, bold, fierce, and fearless, and just said whatever was on your mind at all times. You were so funny and beautiful, and just you all the time, and I admired that about you. One of the first times we hung out, I was going through a lot of anxiety, and you let me bring my Lucy over, even though you already had Morton, Sophie’s dog, and your mom’s dogs. Any other person would say that’s too much, but you were not like anyone else. During that time I came over, I didn’t want to socialize, I just wanted to be surrounded by friends, and I found comfort in your presence. Once a week we’d watch reality TV at your apartment (at least we’d try). You always had everything prepared and put together. You were always down for something fun and always brought your special witty energy into the room. You were naturally funny, beautiful, stylish, giving, and easy to be around. I’m grateful I got to experience being friends with you.
-Anikkah Walker (friend)
Devin was one of the first girls I met in Denver—she literally saved me from a horrible date, and we’ve been girlies ever since.
It’s hard to believe she’s no longer here. I’m going to miss her and her unmatched energy so deeply. There will never be another Devin, but she will live on forever within all of us.
We’ll miss you so much, sweet girl. One billion glasses of wine and Diet Cokes for you. We’ll cheers again one day, angel. 🤍
—Kale R (friend)
Dev traveled to so many incredible places around the world …
but no matter where she went, there was always an animal that somehow became part of the moment—domestic or wild, it didn’t matter. If it crossed her path, it found its way into her story… and onto her Instagram.
That was her.
She didn’t just see the world—she connected with it. With people, with places, with every living thing she encountered. There was a gentleness in her, a curiosity, a quiet kind of love that showed up in the smallest, most unexpected ways.
She found joy where others might have passed by.
She paused for the details.
She made space for wonder.
And in doing so, she reminded all of us to slow down… to notice… to appreciate the life happening all around us.
Wherever she went, she left behind more than memories—
she left moments of connection, of warmth, of life fully felt.
-April Vavra-Fong (mom)
Dev and I shared a love of dogs—it was something we connected on right away.
We met when Compass was still with us, and I immediately saw the depth of her compassion when it came to our canine friends.
She would call me to join her when she was dog-sitting for friends, and those moments became something special—quiet, simple, but full of connection. It was never just about the dogs… it was about the time, the presence, and the way she made even the smallest moments feel meaningful.
—Xanler Gilbert, Friend
Dev was always on the go—so many places to be, so many people to see. Time with her often felt fleeting, but I understood. She was living fully, embracing every moment, every connection, every opportunity life placed in front of her.
But when it mattered most… she never hesitated.
Last year, she stopped by quickly to pick something up. It was meant to be brief—but the moment she walked in, she knew something wasn’t right. Kita, our dog of 13 years, was struggling. And just like that, everything shifted. I was falling apart, but Dev didn’t. She stepped in with a calm strength I didn’t know I needed. She looked at me and said, “It’s time, Mom—we need to take her to the vet right now.” She didn’t second-guess. She didn’t look away. She showed up.
Kita never came home that day. And somehow, in the middle of that heartbreak, Dev became the steady place we all leaned on. Kita needed her. Her siblings needed her. I needed her. I don’t know how we would have made it through that moment without her.
She carried us with a kind of strength and compassion that can’t be taught—only lived. She knew exactly what to say, exactly what to do, guiding us through one of the hardest moments we’ve faced with grace, love, and courage. That was who she was. No matter how busy life became, when it truly mattered—she was there. Fully present. Steady. Strong. Loving. And that is the part of her that will stay with us forever.
—April, Mom
Dev was the oldest of 18 grandchildren and had a significant age gap with her siblings—14 years older than her brother and 18 years older than her sister. She spent a lot of time caring for the younger ones, stepping into that role with so much love..
Even from a very young age, she longed for that connection. Around four years old, she would confidently tell anyone who would listen—strangers in checkout lines, people we passed—that I was pregnant and she was going to have a baby sister. Of course, I wasn’t at the time, but she had that kind of spirit—almost like she understood how to manifest things long before most of us do.
In many ways, she lived in that in-between space—closer in age to me, her parent, than most of her siblings and cousins. I believe that’s part of what gave her such a deep, old soul.
She was drawn to another time—she loved older-era books and films, especially those from the Victorian and Regency periods. Pride and Prejudice was her favorite, and she carried that same sense of romance, wit, and depth into her own life. I would often tell her that her past life must have been in that era.
She had a way of appreciating beauty in the details—stories, conversations, and people—and she could find a connection with anyone she met, no matter their age or background.
—April Vavra-Fong (mom)
Devin would create the most amazing spa nights—I always thought they were so special.
Even though I was much younger than her, she would take the time to talk with me about my interests, like my bearded dragons and the books we loved reading. She was such a wonderful person who truly lit up every room.
-Isabella Jehorek (cousin)
A memory that has always stayed with me is Dev painting my nails in my mom’s bathroom while she was babysitting me. It may seem like a trivial moment, but to me, it never was.
The colors were purple and pink… I was 4, and lowkey, it was the first time I realized I liked my nails done🤍
—Nathen Jehorek (cousin)
Some of the most meaningful traditions don’t start with a plan—they just happen in the quiet, ordinary moments you almost overlook.
Dev was around nine when ours began. I had just gotten back from my tour in Iraq that year, and we had just moved into our new home—everything still felt new, a little unsettled, like we were finding our rhythm again.
We did our usual Christmas Eve with family, but on Christmas morning everything was closed, and we were feeling lazy. No big plans, no expectations, just the two of us. So we decided on something simple and made our way to the gas station. We filled our arms with the most random mix: Nacho Doritos, French onion dip, pickles, soft batch cookies, twizzlers, Coke and of course, lottery tickets. Nothing about it made sense, and that’s what made it perfect. We went home, curled up together, and spent the entire day like that: watching movies, snacking, talking about everything and nothing. No rush, no distractions, just time together.
It became one of our favorite memories, something we promised to keep. So every Christmas after that, no matter what life looked like or what plans we had, we still made that same run to the gas station for those exact things. It didn’t matter where we were or what was going on, we found a way back to it.
And even when she spent the holidays away with her dad, I always made sure she had our “gas station bundle” —our little tradition, our shared piece of home so she could carry it with her, wherever she was.
—April Vavra-Fong (mom)