OXFORD, Miss. (localmemphis.com)- Close friends are planning a tribute in memory of murdered Ole Miss student Ally Kostial.
The tragedy of Kostial’s death is still weighing heavily on her close friends.
They started a Go Fund Me to dedicate a yoga studio on campus in her honor.
“Starting the school year without Ally is obviously going to be really hard but all of her friends hope they can have this memorial and allow her to continue to live on at Ole Miss,” said close friend Hannah Chauvin.
Chauvin is one of 14 students who began this Go Fund Me page to honor their best friend.
The group is trying to raise $150,000 for a dedication in a new mind body yoga studio.
Chauvin met Kostial freshman year.
“We were both walking to a party. We were in a group of girls and we were the only two that weren’t dressed up,” said Chauvin.
Ally taught yoga and pilates on campus before her body was found near Sardis Lake.
Chauvin taught fitness classes too.
“Ally really liked the benefits you can get from those classes. The calmness the safe space. She wanted to share that with others. She loved reading poetry in her classes. She spent hours trying to find the perfect quote to red just to make everyone feel welcome and loved.”
Oxford Police say Kostial died at the hands of fellow classmate and ex-boyfriend Brandon Theesfeld.
He was arrested at a gas station in South Memphis.
Surveillance footage shows Kostial leaving a bar at the oxford square the night before her death.
According to Tony Farese, Theesfeld’s attorney, the suspect’s parents and step-parents will be at the bond hearing this Thursday.
He expects them to give testimony. Theesfeld’s legal team is asking for reasonable bond.
Meanwhile Kostial’s friends want her legacy to be the blessing she brought to others.
“With this dedication i just hope that Ally’s spirit can continue to inspire and touch lives at Ole Miss.”
The grand jury begins at the end of August. Theesfeld’s attorney says they will enter a not guilty plea.
The new mind body yoga studio opens August 28th.