Casper, WY — On Friday night, the David Street Station became a place of remembrance as friends and family of Kandice Taylor Gunter gathered for a vigil. The gathering, organized with help from local residents Stacy and Bobby Koester of Wyofinds, offered a space for community members to share stories and express support after the tragic loss.
Details of the incident
Kandice Gunter, 30, was reported missing on Thursday, October 29. She was later found deceased in a vehicle that had crashed over a guardrail near Lookout Point on November 1, 2026. The Casper Police Department and Wyoming Highway Patrol continue to investigate the incident, noting that there is evidence suggesting foul play.
Family and friends speak
Among those in attendance were Kandice’s sister Kayla and her adopted sister Taylor Villegas, who traveled from Nevada to be with loved ones. Casper resident Lisa Reamer said she came after seeing the story in the news, simply to show her support.
Tyler Kentopp, a longtime friend and Casper native, described Kandice as his first love and best friend since they met on August 15, 2013, while attending school in Nevada. “There’s no way I could have made it through this week without her family,” he said, adding that Kandice had struggled with self‑esteem for years before a medical emergency two years ago sparked a positive turn in her life.
“Everything just started to become a positive for her after that. People came to her, careers, everything else started coming to her. Things she thought she would never have,” Kentopp recalled. He noted that he and Kandice had returned to Casper about a month ago to provide a fresh start and stability for their two children, Violett and Penelope.
Kayla reflected on her sister’s generosity, saying, “She gave pieces of her heart to people around her without expecting anything in return. I hope somehow you can feel all the love surrounding you tonight.”
Taylor Villegas, identifying as an adopted sister, shared a lighter memory, recalling how Kandice would throw hard‑boiled eggs at her during an Easter celebration. “The door flies open, and I freaking nail it… but it’s Tracy, their dad, right in the middle of the forehead,” she laughed, illustrating the playful spirit Kandice brought to family gatherings.
Violett, Kandice’s oldest daughter, spoke from the stage as well. “She was a really important person in my life. Every time I cried she cried with me too and every time I laughed she laughed with me too. She loved me and Penelope equally, cause we’re sisters, you know,” Violett said, highlighting the deep bond she shared with her mother.
Community response
The vigil underscored the close‑knit nature of Casper’s community, with residents from across the state coming together to honor a young woman whose life touched many. While the investigation remains ongoing, the outpouring of love and shared memories provided comfort to Kandice’s family during a difficult time.
Authorities have asked anyone with additional information about the circumstances surrounding the crash to contact the Casper Police Department.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
