The community of Punta Gorda, Florida, is mourning the devastating loss of Hanby Leighton Ingram, who passed away on September 10, 2025, at just 17 years old. Remembered for his adventurous spirit, kind heart, and infectious smile, Hanby’s passing has left family, friends, and neighbors in profound grief.
What Happened
Hanby’s death was confirmed by his family earlier this week, sending shockwaves through the Punta Gorda community. At only 17, he had already built a reputation as a bright, hardworking, and compassionate young man with a promising future ahead.
A proud student of Florida Southwestern Collegiate High School, Hanby excelled in his studies while also balancing work and entrepreneurship. He launched a landscaping business with his brothers in Punta Gorda’s historic downtown, showing not only creativity but also determination and responsibility.
His dream was to pursue Mechanical Engineering, a passion that drove him to spend countless hours tinkering with cars, engines, and motors. Hanby’s curiosity, intelligence, and hands-on approach to solving problems highlighted a future brimming with potential.
Reactions
Friends, teachers, coworkers, and community members have expressed deep sorrow over Hanby’s untimely passing. He was known as a young man of exceptional character—intelligent, loyal, funny, and compassionate.
Hanby’s love for the outdoors was evident in every aspect of his life. He had a passion for duck hunting, fishing, sailing, and golfing. Sailing, in particular, reflected his adventurous spirit, while family vacations to the mountains of North Carolina gave him peace and inspiration. His bond with animals was also profound, as he possessed a natural gift for connecting with and caring for them.
Coworkers at Publix, where he worked as a cashier and clerk, remembered him for his warmth, humor, and genuine kindness toward customers and fellow employees. His ability to brighten a room with his smile left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
His family, including his parents Leighton Ingram (Danielle Carraway) and Victoria Goode, his sister Hunter Ingram, his brothers Hugh and Harrison Ingram, and extended relatives, are now left to cherish the memories of his radiant personality, generosity, and determination.
What’s Next
A Celebration of Life for Hanby will take place on September 27, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Life Celebration Center of Punta Gorda. Guests are encouraged to wear light, bright colors, with a special tribute to his favorite color, purple. The event will bring together family, friends, classmates, coworkers, and neighbors to honor a life that, while far too short, was filled with purpose and love.
Hanby’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of treasuring life’s simple joys, pursuing passions wholeheartedly, and sharing kindness generously. Though his passing has left an irreplaceable void, his memory will live on through the people he inspired and the love he gave so freely.
The loss of Hanby Leighton Ingram is a heartbreaking moment for Punta Gorda, but his legacy of compassion, adventure, and determination will continue to guide those who knew him. His presence may be gone, but his impact will never be forgotten.
This is a developing story. We will update this article as more information becomes available.
