Fundraiser to return murdered Vernon teens's body quickly nets $23K

A fundraiser to bring back the body of Ashley Wadsworth of Vernon who was murdered in the U.K. has quickly raised almost $23,000.

The online fundraiser was launched Feb. 5, and by 11 a.m. Feb 7, had already raised $22,845.

The campaign was launched by family friend Jadine Wakefield.

"In times of crisis and loss sometimes we struggle to find the words or what we can do to help our friends, family and loved ones during devastating heartbreak. This is one small gesture I can do to hopefully help ease the financial strains the well-known and loved Wadsworth Family of Vernon B.C. are challenged with to bring their beautiful Ashley home from England to say their final goodbyes," Wakefield wrote on the fundraising web page.

READ MORE: Vernon teen murdered in U.K. remembered as 'fun-loving and caring'

On Feb. 1 Ashley Wadsworth was found dead at the home of her boyfriend, 23-year-old Jack Sepple, in Chelmsford, England.

Sepple is now in custody charged with Wadsworth murder.

Wakefield wrote that there is a tremendous cost associated with getting Wadsworth back home to her family.

A good friend of Wadsworth said the 19-year-old had been in an on and off online relationship with Sepple for roughly five years.

In November 2021, Wadsworth had travelled to the U.K. to meet Sepple for the first time.

"Ashley’s sense of adventure brought her many places including Quebec, California, Mexico, Ontario, and England. She always had a strong desire to travel the world. She posted pictures and shared her experiences," reads the post. "Ashley was also very studious, graduating on the honour roll at W.L. Seaton. She spoke three languages and had dreams of becoming a lawyer. Every mother and father wish the best for their children as they spread their wings and enter the world. They want them to live their best life. Ashley was doing just that, and that’s how we want to remember her."

On Feb. 5, around 150 people gathered in a park near where Wadsworth died in Chelmsford to honour the teenager in a vigil.

A lifelong friend of Wadsworth, Tianna Kowalchuk, previously told iNFOnews.ca that Sepple had a bad temper, and was controlling and manipulative.

Media in the U.K. is reporting that Wadsworth was stabbed to death, however, the U.K. police have not confirmed whether a weapon was used in the attack.

To donate to through the online fundraising campaign go here.

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