It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Claire Goodwin, a beloved university student from Tallahassee, Florida, who died unexpectedly on December 17, 2024, at the age of 21. Claire was a bright, promising young woman whose untimely death has left her family, friends, and the entire community devastated.
Claire was born on March 9, 2003, in Tallahassee, Florida, and grew up in a family that deeply valued education, kindness, and community involvement. From an early age, Claire displayed an intellectual curiosity and compassion that defined her character. She was an exceptional student and a person who always put others first, whether it was through acts of kindness at school or by offering her help to friends and family.
Claire was currently a junior at Florida State University, where she was studying environmental science. Passionate about sustainability and environmental preservation, Claire was an active member of several student organizations, including the Environmental Club and the campus chapter of the Sierra Club. Her professors and peers admired her dedication to making a positive impact on the world and her ability to inspire others with her drive and enthusiasm. Claire’s academic achievements were a testament to her hard work, intellect, and her unwavering commitment to creating a better future for the planet.
Outside of her studies, Claire was known for her friendly, approachable nature. She was always ready to lend a helping hand or share a warm smile, and she quickly made lasting friendships wherever she went. Her compassionate spirit and positive attitude made her a beloved figure within the FSU community. Claire’s friends remember her as someone who always listened, supported, and cared deeply for those around her, always striving to make the world a better place through both her words and her actions.
Claire had a particular love for nature and the outdoors. She enjoyed hiking, volunteering at local environmental cleanups, and spending time with her family and friends at nearby parks and beaches. She was an avid animal lover and worked with local shelters, helping to care for animals in need. Claire was deeply connected to the natural world, and her passion for protecting it was evident in all aspects of her life.
Tragically, Claire passed away unexpectedly on December 17, 2024. While the cause of her death is still being investigated, her family, friends, and the university community are grappling with the loss of someone who was so full of promise and potential. The news of her passing has left her family and those who knew her in shock and profound sorrow.
Claire is survived by her parents, Stephen and Elizabeth Goodwin, her younger brother, Michael, and a large extended family who loved her dearly. Her family remembers her as a kind-hearted and loving daughter who brought light and joy to their lives. They have expressed their deep gratitude for the time they had with her, as well as their heartbreak over losing her far too soon.
A memorial service to honor Claire’s life will be held on December 21, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the Tallahassee Community Church, followed by a reception to share memories and offer support to one another. Claire’s family invites friends, faculty, and members of the Tallahassee and FSU communities to join them in remembering a young woman whose life was tragically cut short but whose impact will be felt for years to come.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Claire’s memory to the Tallahassee Animal Shelter or the Sierra Club’s Environmental Conservation Fund. These organizations reflect Claire’s love for animals and her dedication to environmental protection, causes she held dear throughout her life.
Though Claire’s time with us was far too short, she leaves behind a legacy of kindness, compassion, and a commitment to making the world a better place. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on through the many lives she touched with her positivity, warmth, and dedication to helping others.
Rest in peace, Claire. Your light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew and loved you. You will never be forgotten.
