01/08/2025
💔 Rest in Power, Queen Leigh-Anne McKenzie. Your life was tragically cut short in a brutal murder-suicide in Paraná, Brazil, on July 19, 2025, at the hands of your ex-boyfriend, Ian Alexander Bruder Hay, a former US military member. You had arrived in Brazil just a day prior, hoping to start anew, but your past caught up with you in the most horrific way.
Your story is heartbreaking, Leigh-Anne. You had endured a violent assault in Houston, Texas, in October 2024, which left you severely injured with three spinal fractures and a laceration to your right temple. Despite your courageous efforts to seek justice, your attacker was granted $50,000 bail and later declared a fugitive after fleeing to Brazil. His actions were enabled by a system that failed to take your warnings seriously.
Your family is now left to pick up the pieces and fight to bring your body back home to South Africa for a dignified burial. A BackaBuddy campaign has been launched to support them in this difficult time, with a goal of raising R120,000 for repatriation and funeral costs. You will be deeply missed by those who loved you.
To support the family's efforts to bring Leigh-Anne home, you can visit the BackaBuddy page and share her story: (link unavailable). Let's come together to honor her memory and ensure she receives the justice she deserves 💕.
If you would like to support Leigh-Anne’s family with the repatriation process, please consider donating via their BackaBuddy campaign: https://backabuddy.co.za/campaign/repatriation-of-leigh-anne-mckenzie
We are heartbroken 💔💔💔.
