More Than $50K Raised For Slain Long Valley Vet, Clients And Colleagues Offer Condolences

LONG VALLEY, NJ — A GoFundMe set up to assist a deceased veterinarian's family has raised more than $50,000.

Dr. Lauren Semanchik, of Pittstown, was shot and killed Friday by her New Jersey State Trooper ex-boyfriend, Sergeant Ricardo Jorge Santos, police said. Santos also killed her current boyfriend, firefighter Tyler Webb, before turning the gun on himself, according to authorities.

See More: It Was Love At First Concert Until NJ State Trooper's Jealous Slayings: Police

The community has come together to mourn and honor Semanchik, who worked at the Long Valley Animal Hospital. Along with a GoFundMe to assist her family and loved ones, a memorial was placed outside her place of work.

The GoFundMe was launched on Monday by Long Valley Animal Hospital associates, and it has raised $54,496 as of Wednesday morning. More than 650 people have donated to assist the “phenomenal veterinarian's" family.

Some donors have offered kind words and condolences to Semanchik’s family and friends following the tragedy.

“A devastating loss,” said Chelsea Frankel, owner of one of Semanchik’s furry patients. “Dr. Semanchik, thank you for the love you showed our Cashew. Our hearts are with the Semanchik family and all of Lauren's loved ones.”

“There are no words,” wrote Megan Deuel. “Praying for her family, friends and everyone at long valley animal hospital.”

Several of Semanchik’s colleagues also offered words regarding her wonderful life and untimely death.

“Lauren was an incredibly talented and bright veterinarian. She had the kindest soul and was always a dear friend. I will miss her warm smile, hugs, and her usual ‘hi sweets or sweetie’ greeting or goodbyes,” said Dr. Stephanie Welch. “The time she gave to her patients and their owners was so beyond admirable and something I looked up to. She put them often before herself, as many medical professionals try to do, and she was beyond thorough in her work, always providing exceptional care. She will be missed by so many, including myself, and I feel honored to have known and worked with her over the years. My heart hurts for you and all your loved ones; lord knows there are so many.”

“Dr. Semanchik (or Dr. Lauren, as she was more affectionately known) was an outstanding veterinarian—knowledgeable, caring, loving—and we were privileged to be working alongside her at Long Valley Animal Hospital, first in her role as a relief vet, then as a full-time veterinarian,” said Dr. Russell Earl. “More importantly, she was a wonderful human being. A bright and vibrant young woman with always a smile and a kind word. My heart is broken and I can’t fathom that I won’t see her again the next time I go into the hospital. We will all miss her dearly. Rest in peace, Lauren.”

The Long Valley Animal Hospital will be closed until Monday, according to representatives.

Click here to learn more about the GoFundMe and to read more words about the well-remembered veterinarian.