Bowling Coach in Michigan Dies After Shooting Teen

A former high school bowling coach in Michigan is under investigation following the death of a 17-year-old girl, Gwendolyn Smith, who was fatally shot at her home. The coach, Ryne Leist, is believed to have shot the girl multiple times before taking his own life.

The incident occurred in Bedford Township, approximately an hour south of Detroit. Gwendolyn, who had recently graduated from high school, was found mortally wounded by her stepfather when he returned home around 6 p.m. Authorities confirmed that Leist’s actions resulted in Gwendolyn’s death and that he subsequently committed suicide.

Reports indicate Leist had been sending the teen inappropriate messages prior to the incident. Gwendolyn’s father, Levi Smith, shared evidence of these messages on social media, criticizing Leist’s behavior and condemning him fiercely. “He deserves to rot in a special hell,” Levi posted, expressing his outrage.

Leist, aged 33, volunteered as the coach for Bedford High School’s bowling team, where Gwendolyn was a member. It is unclear how Leist entered the victim’s stepfather’s home or what the exact relationship was between Leist and Gwendolyn, but authorities stated Gwendolyn did not view their relationship as romantic.

Other former friends and colleagues described Leist as a loner who had exhibited troubling behavior over the years. One woman recalled that Leist tattooed her name on his arm despite never dating her, and she accused him of attempting to pursue underage girls and engaging in inappropriate conduct. Others described him trying to take nude photos under the guise of being a photographer.

Levi Smith emphasized that he had seen the emails Leist sent to his daughter, which confirmed troubling behavior. Gwendolyn was known as a kind and talented young woman who had just celebrated her high school graduation two weeks earlier.

Leist, who was employed at a local bowling alley, had recently resigned from his coaching position. The investigation continues as authorities seek more details about the circumstances of the shooting and the relationships involved.