ST. LOUIS, MO — Heartache has swept through St. Louis following the tragic passing of Naiesha Henry, a 2025 high school graduate celebrated as the heart and soul of her school’s girls track team. Naiesha died on Friday, August 8, 2025, leaving behind a community grappling with the loss of a young woman described as “irreplaceable” by all who knew her.

Naiesha was more than an athlete — she was a driving force of encouragement, determination, and unity. On the track, she ran with fierce focus; off the track, she uplifted those around her with her radiant smile and genuine care for others. Teammates remember her as a motivator who pushed everyone to believe in themselves, while coaches admired her discipline, sportsmanship, and unwavering team spirit.

“She wasn’t just a runner,” one coach shared. “She was our leader, our motivator, and our light. The track won’t feel the same without her presence.”

In her honor, the girls track team has vowed to dedicate their 2026 season to Naiesha’s memory, carrying forward her legacy of perseverance, leadership, and kindness.

Services for Naiesha Henry will be held on Saturday, August 16, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Austin A. Layne Mortuary, 7302 W. Florissant Ave., St. Louis, MO 63136. The gathering is expected to bring together family, friends, teammates, and community members to celebrate the life of a young woman whose influence reached far beyond the finish line.

Though her time was tragically brief, Naiesha’s spirit will forever run alongside those she inspired — her name etched in the hearts of her loved ones and her legacy carried forward with every stride.