Her sudden death has left her family grappling with unimaginable loss, as they navigate the heartbreaking task of honoring her memory and ensuring a stable future for her 2-year-old son.
Angel’s Life: A Bright Spirit Taken Too Soon
Angel Ann Marie Rogers was a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she grew up surrounded by a loving family. Described by her mother, Kayla McKinney, as “so full of light and love,” Angel was known for her warm personality, her boundless energy, and her devotion to her son.
“She was the type of person who could walk into a room and light it up,” said her cousin, Jasmine Harris. “She had this amazing ability to make everyone feel special. Angel was a wonderful mother, daughter, and friend who gave so much of herself to the people she cared about.”
Angel’s life revolved around her young son, whom she lovingly called her “greatest blessing.” Friends and family recall how deeply she cherished being a mother, dedicating herself to creating a happy and secure life for him.
“She loved being a mom more than anything else in the world,” said her best friend, Taylor Jenkins. “Her son was her everything, and she worked so hard to give him the life he deserved. She had dreams for herself and for him, and it’s devastating to think those dreams were taken away.”
A Mother’s Grief: Kayla McKinney’s Heartfelt Tribute
In the wake of Angel’s death, her mother, Kayla McKinney, has emerged as a pillar of strength for her family, sharing her grief and love for her daughter in a series of heartfelt messages.
“My heart is shattered,” McKinney wrote on a GoFundMe campaign created to bring Angel’s body home to Milwaukee and to support her grandson. “Our sweet Angel, who just turned 21, was taken from us. I’m devastated, angry, heartbroken, lost, and so many other things that words can’t express.”
McKinney described her daughter as an “amazing daughter, mother, friend, and sister” who was the glue that held their family together. Her words captured the profound loss felt by those who loved Angel:
“It doesn’t feel real, and we are completely broken. She had so much life left to live, so much love left to give, and so many dreams left to chase. She didn’t deserve this.”
McKinney also shared a powerful reminder to others in the midst of her grief:
“I want to remind you to hug your kids, talk to them, and let them know you love them. You never know when their last day is. This world is hard and so cruel.”
The Tragic Events of New Year’s Day
Angel’s life was taken during the early hours of January 1, when 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove a truck into a crowd of revelers on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. The attack, which federal authorities have labeled as domestic terrorism, left 15 people dead and dozens injured.
Angel had traveled to New Orleans with friends to celebrate the New Year, a trip meant to mark a joyful start to 2025. Instead, it ended in heartbreak.
Witnesses described the chaos and devastation of the attack, which unfolded in mere moments. “It all happened so fast,” said a survivor who asked to remain anonymous. “One minute we were celebrating, and the next, everything was screaming and panic. I can’t even put into words how horrifying it was.”
A Community Rallies Around Angel’s Family
As news of Angel’s death spread, her Milwaukee community quickly rallied to support her grieving family. Friends, neighbors, and even strangers have contributed to the GoFundMe campaign started by McKinney, which seeks to raise funds to bring Angel’s body home, provide her with a proper burial, and establish a savings fund for her son.
The campaign, titled “Bring Angel Home,” has received an outpouring of support, with donations and heartfelt messages flooding in from across the country.
One donor wrote: “I didn’t know Angel, but her story breaks my heart. I’m praying for her family and her sweet little boy. May her memory be a blessing.”
Another supporter shared: “I knew Angel through school, and she was always so kind and full of life. I’m so sorry for your loss. She will be missed by so many.”
Remembering Angel’s Legacy
In the face of this senseless tragedy, Angel’s family and friends are determined to ensure that her legacy endures. They remember her not for how her life ended, but for the joy, love, and inspiration she brought to those around her.
Her sister, Mia Rogers, shared an emotional tribute on social media:
“Angel was more than my sister—she was my best friend. She had this amazing ability to see the good in everyone and everything. She loved so fiercely and gave so much of herself to others. I can’t believe she’s gone, but I know she’ll always be with us, watching over us and her son.”
Family members have expressed their commitment to raising Angel’s son with the same love and values she instilled in him during her short but impactful life.
“Her son will know how much she loved him,” said McKinney. “We’ll make sure he grows up knowing what an incredible person his mother was.”
A Nation Grieves: A Call for Change
Angel’s death, along with the lives of the other 14 victims, has reignited discussions about the importance of addressing domestic terrorism and ensuring public safety. Federal and state officials are calling for increased measures to prevent future acts of violence, including better surveillance of extremist groups and more robust community safety protocols.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell issued a statement condemning the attack and expressing solidarity with the victims’ families:
“This was an unspeakable act of terror that has shattered countless lives. We mourn for the victims, and we stand with their families as they navigate this unimaginable loss. New Orleans is a resilient city, and we will not let this darkness define us.”
Honoring Angel’s Life Through Action
Angel’s family is planning a public memorial service in Milwaukee to celebrate her life and share her story with the community. In addition, they are exploring ways to honor her legacy through initiatives that support young mothers and victims of violence.
“We want to keep her memory alive by helping others,” said McKinney. “Angel had such a big heart, and she would want us to use this tragedy to make a difference.”
A Light That Will Never Be Extinguished
Though Angel Ann Marie Rogers’ life was cut tragically short, her spirit will continue to shine through the memories of those who loved her and the legacy she leaves behind.
“She was our Angel in every sense of the word,” said her aunt, Teresa Rogers. “She brought so much love and light into our lives, and even though she’s gone, that light will never fade.”
Angel’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of the senselessness of violence, but it is also a testament to the enduring power of love, family, and community. As her loved ones come together to honor her memory, they are united by a shared commitment to keeping her spirit alive and ensuring that her son grows up knowing the incredible person his mother was.
Angel Ann Marie Rogers may be gone, but her legacy of love and resilience will live on forever.
