lauren was always such a happy person. I'm beyond happy I got to meet lauren in preschool & be best friends with her until elementary school when I stayed back in kindergarten. I will always have a special place in my heart for her. much love always

Lauren was always a ray of sunshine.  She would enter the room with a huge smile and big hugs.   She loved life and loved people.  She was so sweet to my girls.  They admired her.  We will always remember Lauren and her sweet, passionate, smiley personality and beautiful, positive energy.  Rest in peace angel love.

Lauren made my classroom a fun and energetic place full of kindness and humor. I enjoyed coming to school in the morning knowing that she would be there. She seemed happiest when she was making others happy. I will always remember her for her contagious laugh and boisterous friendliness.

As a College Park parent my thoughts and prayers are with Lauren's family and all who knew and where touched by her. May you take flight and rest in peace. #fallenfalcons

I love you cousin. We had something no words could ever describe. I still can't believe this is all happening and I want you back so bad. I hope you find the clouds above to be comforting to you. No one will ever forget you and I will live my life in memory of you. I love you and I'll always be your "lil cousin"<3

Lauren was a dear girl and a shining light. We can carry a small bit of that light in our hearts forever to honor her buoyant and innocent nature. The last words I heard her say was not "Bye", but "I love you!" She will never be forgotten in the lives she has touched. I love you, Lauren. Peace be with you and the Smith family.

I did not know Lauren personally but her Aunt Amy shared her love and stories about her. My heart goes out to Amy and family at this time of loss. May she rest in peace!

My heart aches for the entire family. Although I have known Lauren since birth, I only had the opportunity to see her occasionally as she dropped in to see her Grandfather, Randy Leptien and her Aunt Christine Parks at LCC Engineering & Surveying, Inc. She was a sweet and vibrant girl and will be remembered with love and admiration. My prayers will be constantly there for the family.

I work with Lauren's Grandpa & Aunt. I only met Lauren once, but I feel like I knew her so well from the loving stories I heard about her.  She kept her Papa young by helping him get a Twitter account and impressed him with her natural ability to memorize songs and act. We were convinced she could be a model! My heart goes out to Lauren's family for their loss. Rest in peace, Lauren.

When my daughter transferred to Valhalla in 4th grade, there were a lot of new faces.  I clearly remember seeing Lauren with her great blonde hair & sweet cheeks & telling my daughter that she looked like someone I would want to be friends with if I was in school with them.  Lauren was bubbly and had the nicest smile.  I can picture her 4th grade face so clearly.  My heart weeps.  RIP

Although I did not know her. My daughter Emilee attended Child Time with Lauren and continued to go to school with her all the way to High School. My heart aches for the family and friends and especially the parents. No words can come to my mind... Except I pray for all her knew her. May they all be comforted in this tragedy. God Bless you all

Lauren it are loved and you will be missed. It will be hard to live in a world without you. I will be praying for you and your family and your friends and their families. I love you❤️

Alicia Sanchez

The newest angel now watching over you... We are so sorry for your incredible loss, our heart aches for your family... With love..

Oh my sweet LoLo... how will life ever be the same for us without you here? You were the sunshine in every day, always sweet, always kind, always love. I will miss you for the rest of my days. We will never, ever forget you, and I promise to honor your memory by trying to love like you always did - unconditionally. Love you forever - Auntie JoJo

While I did not know Lauren personally, it is always heartbreaking to have such a vibrant life end so early.  May her memory always endure as a blessing and comfort for the whole family.

To the family and friends of Lauren......I did not know Lauren personally. My daughter attends College Park as a senior this year.  We are all heartbroken over this loss.  May the Lord be your strength and hope during this time of sadness. You are in my prayers.