Florence says goodbye to Rihanna: "We are not saying farewell to a symbol, but to an 11-year-old girl."

Florens—June 12, 2026: Under bright sunshine, hundreds of mourners gathered on Friday afternoon at Florens Cemetery to say goodbye to 11-year-old Leyanna. The white funeral procession arrived at the cemetery around 2:30 p.m., after which attendees gathered in front of a podium displaying the girl’s portrait.

The ceremony opened with a heartfelt speech by the host, who described Leyanna as a “talkative little girl” with a “legendary natural spirit.” She emphasized the girl’s “bright, gentle, and caring” soul and recalled her ability to “find stars where others only see the sky.”

Florens Mayor Gregory Bobato also spoke to those present, praising Leyanna’s parents for their “absolute dignity” in facing this severe ordeal. He stressed that the community was not “saying goodbye to a symbol, but to an 11-year-old girl.”

At the conclusion of the ceremony, white and red balloons and peace doves were released, resonating deeply with those in attendance. According to the family’s wishes, the body was then buried accompanied by the closest family members.

Leyanna disappeared after leaving her school in Florens on May 29, 2026. On June 4, her body was found in an agricultural silo about 15 kilometers from Florens, near Puycaskier. News of her death shocked the entire region.

The main suspect is 41-year-old Jérôme B., a man previously reported multiple times for child abuse, who has been arrested in connection with this case. The investigation is ongoing, and the public awaits justice.

This tragedy has sparked nationwide discussions on child protection and failures within the judicial system. Numerous organizations are calling for stronger measures to better protect children from violence and abuse and to rebuild public trust in the authorities.

Leyanna’s funeral provided the community with an opportunity to express their grief, while reinforcing their demand for justice and more effective preventive measures. Many attendees wore white ribbons as a sign of solidarity with the victim and her family.

In Florens, Leyanna’s memory remains alive; she is remembered not only as a victim but as a young girl full of dreams and hope. The community’s concern reflects deep sorrow over this tragic loss and also underscores the desire to drive social change on this sensitive issue.