TAMPA, Florida — The Tampa Bay volleyball community and countless friends, classmates, and loved ones are mourning the loss of Madelyn Rai Briggs, a gifted student-athlete whose passing on May 31, 2026, has left a profound impact across the region.
Madelyn, 16, was a resident of Ruskin, Florida, and had recently completed her sophomore year in the Collegiate Program at Lennard High School. Known for her academic excellence, artistic creativity, and dedication to volleyball, she touched the lives of many through her positive spirit and compassionate nature.
According to her obituary, Madelyn was born on September 14, 2009, in Cleveland, Ohio. Throughout her life, she demonstrated a remarkable commitment to learning and personal growth. She excelled academically and was recognized among the top students in her class, earning admiration from teachers and classmates alike for her intelligence, curiosity, and determination.
Obituary Summary
- Full Name: Madelyn Rai Briggs
- Age: 16
- Residence: Ruskin, Florida
- Date of Death: May 31, 2026
- School: Lennard High School Collegiate Program
- Athletics: Lennard High School Varsity Volleyball; Tampa United Volleyball Academy 16 Black Team
- Survived By: Parents, sister, grandparents, relatives, friends, coaches, teammates, and loved ones
Outside the classroom, volleyball played a central role in her life. Madelyn was a proud member of the Lennard High School Varsity Volleyball Team and spent five years competing with the Tampa United Volleyball Academy’s 16 Black Team. Coaches, teammates, and supporters remember her as a dedicated athlete who consistently demonstrated leadership, sportsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to her team.
Her connection to the Tampa United Volleyball Academy extended beyond competition. Teammates described her as encouraging, supportive, and dependable—someone who celebrated others’ successes and helped create a positive environment both on and off the court. Her contributions to the program helped shape a lasting legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
Beyond athletics, Madelyn possessed a deep love for art and creativity. She enjoyed painting, sketching, sculpting, and expressing herself through various artistic mediums. Friends and family recall her vivid imagination and the joy she found in creating meaningful works of art. She was also an avid reader whose passion for learning extended far beyond the classroom.
Those closest to Madelyn remember her as someone who embraced life wholeheartedly. Whether spending time with family, sharing meals with loved ones, competing in volleyball tournaments, or pursuing her artistic interests, she approached every experience with enthusiasm, authenticity, and kindness.
Her passing has prompted an outpouring of grief and support throughout the Tampa Bay area and the broader volleyball community. Tributes shared by teammates, coaches, friends, and community members reflect the tremendous impact she made during her young life.
Madelyn is survived by her parents, Matthew Briggs and Colleen Royer Briggs; her sister, Charlotte Briggs; her grandparents; and numerous relatives, friends, classmates, coaches, and teammates who will continue to cherish her memory.
While her life was tragically brief, those who knew Madelyn take comfort in the legacy she leaves behind—a legacy defined by excellence, compassion, creativity, and unwavering dedication to those she loved.
As family and friends gather to honor her memory, they celebrate not only her accomplishments but also the kindness, warmth, and joy she brought into the lives of so many.
Madelyn Briggs will be remembered as an exceptional student, talented athlete, devoted friend, and beloved daughter whose influence will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.
