07 December 2023 , 10:46
871
0
The heartbroken sister of a woman whose remains were found at the bottom of a garbage chute wants to remember her for “who she is, not the circumstances of her passing”.
Taking to Instagram, Maddy Elmquist spoke of her “creative, adventurous, beautiful” sister who had the “purest soul” and shone a light on those around her. Maddy said she was writing the tribute with a “broken heart”, adding that “words cannot express our devastation”.
Jaclyn Elmquist, 24, was found dead in a New York City garbage chute of the +Art building at 540 West 28th Street in Chelsea, Manhattan. She had gone missing after a work party on Thursday, November 30, and was last seen in surveillance footage which appeared to show her walking unsteadily and trying to open doors on the street, before ending up at the apartment building.
READ MORE:
CCTV footage showed Jaclyn walking near the building where she was eventually found (NBC New York)The employment agency worker was found at the bottom of the rubbish chute on the afternoon of Friday, December 1. The New York Police Department say there is so far no evidence of foul play, and they believe she may have fallen down the garbage chute in a tragic accident.
TOWIE's Chloe Brockett makes cheeky dig at Saffron Lempriere during filming
But Maddy wishes for people not to remember Jaclyn for the way in which she died, but how she lived. “It is with broken hearts that my family, loved ones, and I share that our Jaclyn Rose passed away. Her 24 years were filled with love, adventure, academia, art, and laughter,” the post began.
Jaclyn was a "creative, adventurous, beautiful" sister, her sibling Maddy said (Jackieelmquist/Facebook)
Jaclyn was working for an employment agency at the time of her death (@melmquist04/instagram)“How we will miss her quirky, little laugh — our favourite sound,” Maddy continued. “Words cannot express our devastation, nor can they convey how truly grateful we are for all those who showed her love and kindness. Please remember our brilliant, creative, adventurous, beautiful girl for who she is, not the circumstances of her passing.”
The post included two pictures. One showed Maddy lying down on a bed of bricks with names written on them, grinning next to one with her name. Another photo shows her in the park in a leather jacket, smiling at the camera while basking in the autumnal sun.
Jaclyn had been travelling home from a work party when she went missing last Thursday (November 30) (Peter Gerber)“She is neither news articles nor broadcasts (with blatantly false information therein). She is not even her outstanding accomplishments. Jackie is a light, the purest soul, whom we will miss for the rest of our lives. Please respect me, my family, and our loved ones during this time.”
Friends and family poured into the comments to pay tribute to a popular, bright, and by all accounts kind woman. “These photos are wonderful. they capture her beauty and her laughter and her casual perfection. Jackie is so loved forever and always,” said Tova of the pictures.
The body was found by the building's maintenance man (Peter Gerber)Maya said: “In your words, her smile and laugh will always be with us. Thank you for being the best sister to my best friend. Love you longtime Maddy.” Libby added: “We will all keep loving her and will carry her with us throughout our lives. she gave us the best big sister anyone could ask for, we love you.”
NYPD officers say Jaclyn was “unconscious and unresponsive” when they found her, and emergency services pronounced her dead at the scene later. A preliminary investigation has concluded that her injuries suggest she fell down the garbage chute, with the police adding that “no criminality is suspected at this time”. The medical examiner’s office is investigating the exact cause of Jaclyn's death.