Family of Slain Acadiana Teen Martha Odom Establishes Legacy Fund at Community Foundation of Acadiana

LAFAYETTE, La. - As you likely recall, tragedy shook the Acadiana area on Thursday, April 23, as 17-year-old Martha Odom was an innocent victim of a shooting at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge. The family is now speaking out and asking for the community to help them in honoring Martha's legacy.

READ MORE: Ascension Episcopal School Student Martha Odom Fatally Shot in Mall of Louisiana Incident

Statement from the Family of Martha Odom

The family issued the following statement:

Our family is devastated by the loss of our beloved firstborn daughter Martha. Full of light, love and joy, Martha’s kindness touched everyone who knew her—classmates, teammates, fellow dancers, family and friends. We are comforted by this and know that Martha’s spirit, strength and grace have left a lasting and meaningful impact on the world.

We are grateful for the outpouring of concern and support we have received from our community in Lafayette and across the country. Such kind words and gestures have helped us endure a horrific and painful loss no family should experience.

We remain profoundly heartbroken and unprepared to speak further and kindly ask for privacy as we continue to process our grief.

For those wishing to honor Martha’s life and legacy, donations may be made to The Martha Odom Legacy of Joyful Grace in Motion fund at the Community Foundation of Acadiana.

How to Donate to The Martha Odom Legacy of Joyful Grace in Motion Fund

If you would like to make a donation to The Martha Odom Legacy of Joyful Grace in Motion Fund, you can do so at The Community Foundation of Acadiana's website.

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Mailing a Check to the Martha Odom Memorial Fund

Or, if you'd like to mail a check, you can do so by making checks payable to "Community Foundation of Acadiana" and include the fund name on the check memo. Send the check to:

Community Foundation of Acadiana
Attention: The Martha Odom Legacy of Joyful Grace in Motion Fund
1035 Camellia Blvd, Ste 100
Lafayette, LA 70508