Michigan High School Bowling Coach Kills Teen Student Athlete in Apparent Murder-Suicide

17-year-old Gwendolyn Smith

A Michigan community is grieving after a former high school bowling coach fatally shot a recent graduate before killing himself in what authorities are calling a tragic murder-suicide.

Gwen Smith, 17, of Temperance, Michigan, was shot multiple times on June 14 inside her home by 33-year-old Ryne Leist, a former coach affiliated with Bedford High School’s bowling club. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said the incident was discovered around 6 p.m. when Gwen’s stepfather returned home and found both individuals with gunshot wounds. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. Leist died by suicide.

Police said Ryne Leist shot Smith multiple times before turning the gun on himself in a chilling murder-suicide

Authorities said Smith’s death has been officially ruled a homicide. Investigators are still determining how Leist entered the residence and whether he was invited in or forced entry. Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough noted the nature of their relationship remains unclear, but emphasized that Smith did not consider the relationship romantic.

“It’s believed the two were acquaintances,” said Goodnough, who added that investigators are reviewing text messages exchanged between the two in the days leading up to the tragedy.

17-year-old Gwendolyn Smith

Leist was not directly employed by the Bedford Public School District. He worked as an assistant bowling coach through Forest View Lanes and had cleared all background checks required for the role, according to Superintendent Dr. Carl Shultz.

“There was no indication he wasn’t a qualified hire,” said Shultz, who expressed deep sorrow over the loss. “She was a remarkable young lady who lost her life in a senseless act.”

Michigan teen Gwendolyn Smith had just graduated from Bedford High School when she was gunned down by her former bowling coach inside her own home

Gwen Smith was remembered as “vibrant, creative, and goofy,” someone who lit up the lives of those around her. Shultz said the district is struggling to cope with the loss and has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Gwen’s family.

“We are heartbroken as a community,” he added. “This is a devastating loss, and it’s going to take time to heal.”