Gabrielle “Gabby” Ficklin
March 6, 2022 - July 5, 2024
Gabrielle Ficklin was born on March 6, 2022 to Erica and Nick Ficklin. Gabby was an incredibly adventurous, curious, energetic, and funny girl. Gabby had an infectious laugh and loved to joke with her family. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a smile that brightened the world. She was loved and adored by all those lucky enough to be in her life. Gabby was playful and silly and would even put Erica in “time-out” so she could try to get away with something mischievous. She loved animals, dancing, singing Baby Shark, and watching Bluey, Gabby’s Dollhouse, Mickey Mouse, and Finding Nemo. She was an integral part of the Tohi lab, often joining lab meetings and talking circles with Native students at USU. Losing Gabby has left a hole in the hearts of everyone who knew her. As her mother Erica said, “She is everything. She is just pure light. Just pure”. Gabby was, and would have been, the best big sister. She was wonderfully loving, caring, and sweet. She touched the lives of everyone around her and brought so much light and love to the world. She will be forever missed by all those who knew her.
Erica Ficklin is Gabrielle’s mother. She is a doctoral student in the Psychology Department at Utah State University. She was supposed to be starting her predoctoral internship a few days after tragedy struck her family. On July 5th, Erica’s 2-year-old daughter Gabrielle was found unresponsive in a family pool. Erica and her husband Nick had just made the journey across the country with Gabby and their newborn son to move back home with Erica’s parents so that Erica could begin her predoctoral internship at a nearby VA. Erica and her family are currently residing in a hotel in the area because they cannot bring themselves to return to the family home at which Gabby died. Erica was supposed to begin internship this week but will be delaying indefinitely while her family copes with this unfathomable loss. Erica’s academic advisor, Melissa Tehee, is helping the family raise funds for funeral expenses, housing, and other emerging financial needs during this tragic time. If you are in a position where you can donate to help this young family, please send money to:
For Zelle search this email: melissa.tehee@gmail.com
