On October 25, 2024, Lina’s funeral at Saint-Arnould Church in Plaine was filled with emotional tributes from family and friends mourning her tragic death, suspected to be due to asphyxiation. The service, attended by hundreds, featured heartfelt speeches highlighting Lina’s vibrant spirit, with her boyfriend Tao expressing profound love and loss. A lantern release marked the poignant farewell, signifying Lina as a guiding “star” to her loved ones.
On Friday, October 25, 2024, family and friends gathered to bid a heart-wrenching farewell to Lina at her funeral held at the Church of Saint-Arnould in Plaine, Bas-Rhin. The ceremony was marked by deep emotion, as priest Jean Claude Klotz opened with a poignant statement: “Today, the church in Plaine feels too small, and our hearts are similarly constricted in conveying our thoughts.“
This gathering took place ten days following the discovery of Lina’s body, shortly after an autopsy suggested that she may have died from asphyxiation. Lina went missing on September 23, 2023, and investigators made significant strides in the case this summer, tracing a stolen vehicle that contained traces of Lina’s DNA. This vehicle belonged to Samuel Gonin, who tragically took his own life before the authorities could interrogate him. Ultimately, the geolocation of the stolen car played a crucial role in locating Lina’s remains.
A Touching Tribute from Loved Ones
The exact location of Lina’s burial remains private, but the funeral drew a large crowd, with hundreds attending to pay their respects. While the church could hold around 300 people, an equal number gathered outside, where the ceremony was relayed through loudspeakers. Friends and family took turns speaking during this emotional tribute.
During the ceremony, those who knew Lina emphasized her vibrant spirit, describing her as a true “ray of sunshine”—a “proud and resilient” young woman with a “strong character.” One close friend poignantly noted, “Wherever you are, your smile and strength continue to illuminate our lives. You can now soar towards the stars without fear.” Lina’s mother, Fanny Groll, also shared her grief through tears, and her boyfriend, Tao, expressed his heartfelt sorrow.
Tao’s Heartfelt Farewell
19-year-old Tao was visibly moved as he arrived at the church to honor Lina’s memory. Speaking to those gathered, he conveyed his deep feelings: “I leave a piece of my heart with you, for you shared a piece of yours with me.” He addressed Lina directly, saying, “I know that because of you, love truly exists… I will never forget you.“
Following the ceremony, Lina’s loved ones participated in a lantern release outside the church, symbolically sending their farewells to the young woman who is now regarded as a “star.”