And for USA Gymnastics, Rachael has this message: Larry Nassar is one symptom of a much larger infection. "You play word games saying you didn't know, because no one believed. Obituary for Kyle Bazant. Rachael Denhollander gives the final victim impact statement. "He touched the most innocent places on my body," said 17-year-old Jessica Thomashaw, recounting how she was sexually assaulted at ages 9 and 12. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 30, in the Stephens chapel at Green Pine Funeral Home with Pastor Jeff Whitaker officiating. Hi everyone, I'm starting this fundraiser for Rich Lupia and his family. Larry Nassar abused me. Stephens blames her father's suicide on the shame and self-loathing he felt for defending Nassar. Well, Larry, I'm here not to tell someone, but to tell everyone. They said it had changed their life trajectories, affected relationships and made them distrustful of other people. Simone Biles, Aly Raisman Among Victims Suing FBI for $1 Billion Over Larry Nassar Investigation, Larry Nassar Survivors to Receive an Additional $380 Million Settlement After Years-Long Lawsuit Battle, Simone Biles Says Gymnastics Officials 'Should Be Feeling [Pain]' from Larry Nassar Scandal, 'Not Me', McKayla Maroney Says Reliving Trauma from Larry Nassar Abuse Made Her Want to 'Become Someone Else', Aly Raisman Says She's 'Been Trying to Process, Recover' After Testimony About FBI's Nassar Failures, Aly Raisman Recounts FBI Agent 'Diminishing My Abuse' During Larry Nassar Investigation, Simone Biles Gives Emotional Testimony at Senate Hearing on FBI's Handling of Nassar Investigation, McKayla Maroney Shares Photos with Aly Raisman, Maggie Nichols and Simone Biles After Testimony, Angelina Jolie Says She Was 'Honored' to Meet McKayla Maroney, Aly Raisman: 'I'm in Awe of Their Courage', Simone Biles Leaves for 'Dream Come True' Gymnastics Tour Following Her Senate Testimony, Aly Raisman Says Meeting Angelina Jolie Was 'Light Moment' on Difficult Day of Senate Testimony, Former USA Gymnastics Doctor Larry Nassar Pleads Guilty to Sexually Abusing Girls in Michigan, Larry Nassar Apologizes in Court as He's Sentenced to Another 40 to 125 Years in Sex Abuse Case, 'Let Me at Him!' Almost 100 victims are expected to address the Michigan court during the four-day sentencing hearing for 54-year-old Nassar. The police were able to obtain a search warrant for Nassars house, where they then found hard drives containing 37,000 images and videos of child pornography, leading to Nassars arrest. One in 9 girls, and 1 in 53boys, will experience such abuse by their 18th birthday. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. She's only been known as Victim Z-A. Kyle Stephens, pausing to compose herself during Nassars sentencing hearing in a courtroom in Lansing, Michigan, said the doctor, a family friend, began molesting her when she was 6 years old and her parents did not believe her when she told them. Green Forest, AR, 1985 - 2022. Let the family know you are thinking of them. Stephens told the court her mother and father became close to Nassar and his wife, Stephanie, when Stephens was 5. Stephens said Nassar convinced her parents she was lying about him hiding "lotion in the basement so you could beat your penis while I hid. Kyle Stephens said she had her first sexual experience when she was 6 years old. How it started when she was just 6 years old. She still had not lost all of her baby teeth when she was forced into her first sexual act. And she appeals to Larry's own faith in God. It was only in 2016 when Kyle read the story of another woman who had been abused by Nassar, that she called the police. Years later, when she was 12, Stephens told her parents about the abuse and her mother and father confronted their friend Nassar. She remembers one mom in particular walking into court: "[She was] really quiet and stoic and said, 'I need to add my daughter's name to the list.' In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by a sister and . Outside the courtroom, Markham told reporters she felt compelled to speak for her daughter. "As tragedies are politicized, blame is inevitable," Simon said in her resignation letter. Kim Ann Volz of Metairie, Louisiana passed away on February 14, 2023 at the age of 56. According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, those who have been sexually abused are four times as likely Stephens said her father committed . Later, when her father realized that Stephens was . She resigned in 2017 after Strampel reprimanded her for not telling MSU officials that she was aware Nassar stopped volunteering as a team doctor for USA Gymnastics in 2015 because of allegations of sexual misconduct. While I avoided spiraling into more destructive behaviors, many victims turn to drugs and alcohol to cope. Paul was a faithful member of Fellowship Church in Prairieville. Bekah Snyder works for the prosecutor's office. hide caption. Place an Ad; Services ; Jobs; . Stephens asked the judge to ensure that Nassar did not walk free to hurt anyone again. "There was no doubt that she would carry this case," says Povilaitis. Jeffrey Kovan and Douglas Dietzel, who worked with Nassar at the MSU Sports Medicine Clinic -- have been cleared by LARA. Kyle Bazant was born on 03/24/1988 to parents Mike Bazant and Dawn Wastweet (Maki). And he said to me, If you ever want to see it, all you have to do is ask.". Kyle Stephens testimony was so powerful that a prosecutor in the courtroom was wiping away her tears after hearing it. ", Stephens said she carried around the guilt of what happened to her for a long time, but now that Nassars sentencing hearing is over, she feels a sense of relief.. He committed suicide in 2016, ending both his mental anguish and debilitating chronic pain. "But they were empowered by the other women.". Now, Athlete A, a new Netflix documentary, shares the stories of the women, including Kyle Stephens, who were abused by Nassar and their fight for justice. He was born December 1, 1964 in Demopolis, AL to William. Masturbated in front of her. Nearly 160 women have come forward with abuse allegations against him. He was a father, grandfather, father-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and beloved friend. Andres H. Renteria, our beloved Father . "Please state your name for the record," Judge Aquilina says. Strampel is now facing criminal charges for failing to enforce rules set specifically for Nassar, including having a chaperone in the room during exams involving "sensitive areas" and getting patient permission before examining or treating those areas. She added: "I couldn't be just a normal girl anymore, and I forever lost a big piece of my childhood due to his abuse.". Raisman tweeted Monday she will not attend the sentencing because it was too traumatic, but a letter she wrote will be read in court. On Tuesday, while testifying, Stephens said, You convinced my parents that I was a liar.. Kyle Stephens blames her father's suicide on the abuse she suffered at the hands of disgraced US gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar Credit: Reuters. My parents told me they didn't believe me and that I needed to tell the truth And my dad, one time, finally said to me, If you don't tell the truth, I will make your life a living hell.. Jim was born on April 20, 1933 in Walsenburg, Colorado to Geraldine Hudson McAlpine and Victor Paul Hudson and passed away on February 24, 2023 at his home in Amarillo, Texas with his family by his side at the age of 89. "And that the world would hear her and believe her and the truth would be exposed.". When she was at their home, the family acted as if she never accused Nassar at all. We mournfully announce the passing of Kyle Brandon Bazant of the Town of Russell, Wisconsin. And while she and her father eventually "did the best to patch up our relationship," he died from suicide in 2016, Stephens said -- and she suspects his guilt over the Nassar abuse was a factor. Her family was friends with him, she wasn't a gymnast. "'You convinced my parents that you didn't stick your fingers up my adolescent vagina. More reporters. Kyle is preceded in death by his grandparents, Ronald C. McGhee and Wayne L. Stevens. Snyder says this is when she starts realizing: There are girls sitting at home, watching this on TV, and realizing they are ready to come forward now, too. News cameras click click click click, and Kyle's voice shakes as she tells the full courtroom the raw, specific details of Larry's abuse. Aquilina announces her sentence: 40 to 175 years in prison. Prosecutors are seeking at least 40 years in prison for Nassar, who has already been sentenced to 60 years in federal prison for child pornography crimes. The place is packed. At the time, Stephens said she was too young to understand what was going on. On Monday, four-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles said on her Twitter account that she, too, was abused by Nassar. Put friendships in front of the truth, fail to create or enforce proper policy and fail to hold enablers accountable. Kyle Stephens mentioned he got very sick and believes it was the mixture of him getting sick and hearing that Nassar was being charged. Kyle Stephens is a young woman in terrible pain who is praying that the man who allegedly abused her pays for his crimes. When I stepped to the microphone in that Michigan courtroom, Judge Rosemarie Aquilina She said she wants young athletes "to be safe from sexual predators, from this kind of abuse. I know that. Prosecutors are seeking a life sentence for the 54-year-old Nassar, who served as the USA Gymnastics physician through four Olympic Games. She told the courtroom how her accusations against Nassar tore her family apart, as her parents initially refused to believe her. Now, Athlete A, a new Netflix documentary, shares the stories of the women, including Kyle Stephens, who were abused by Nassar and their fight for justice. . She's like a talisman, the unofficial symbol of the Larry Nassar case. Abusers dont see race, religion or political affiliation. In January 2018, Kyle Stephens became the first woman to take the stand against Nassar and tell her harrowing story. In January 2018, Kyle Stephens became the first woman to take the stand against Nassar and tell her harrowing story. Stephens blames her father's suicide on the shame and self-loathing he felt for defending Nassar. Find service information, send flowers, and leave memories and thoughts in the Guestbook for your loved one. . And when she finally stands up to speak, Rachael's words turn out to be less of a victim impact statement and more of a sermon. He was reportedly found dead in an upstairs bedroom/office after what looked to be a self-inflicted gunshot, according to the Nashville Police Department. Kyle Stephens, whose family was close with Nassar's, said he repeatedly abused her from age 6 to 12 during family visits to his home near Lansing, Michigan. Kyle glances around the courtroom. Kyle Stephens, who was abused by Nassar from the ages of 6 to 12, was one of the former gymnasts to read out her statement in a Michigan court, in which she detailed Nassar's crimes. Nov 13, 2021. LARA's investigations are "strictly focused" on whether a license-holder has violated the Michigan public health code, a spokesman said. Dances with Wolves actor pleads not guilty in 'sex cult' case, Star singer La Tigresa dies from a heart attack at 89 after storied career, TikTok star, 28, is charged with child abuse after 'attack on boyfriend', Rape survivor slams Gabby Petito Utah cop over handling of her case, 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, Kyle Stephens testified against Larry Nassar after he sexually abused her over six years, Kyle Stephens called her father "her rock" before he took his own life, Kyle Stephens denounced Nassar as a "repulsive liar", Kyle's parents didn't believe she was being abused when she first told them, Stephens testified against Nassar in 2018, Simone Biles and gymnasts blast FBI for Nassar cover-up at Senate hearing, Kyle Stephens became the first woman to take the stand against Nassar. She said that Nassar repeatedly abused her from the time she was six years old to when she was 12 when her family visited the doctor at his home. Little girls dont stay little forever, she added. Kyle Stephens fathers suicide was also spoken about, as Stephens faced the man who had taken her childhood away from her forever. Dylan Farrow Wiki: Her Life, Sexual Abuse, and Fight Against Woody Allen. How it started when she was just 6 years old. Speaking to Nassar in court in January 2018 while testifying against him, she said: You convinced my parents that I was a liar.. She is preceded in death by her mother, Grace; father . Stephens said that she told her parents, but they did not believe her. Her parents initially believed him and Stephens blames her father's suicide on the shame and self-loathing he felt for defending Nassar. Kyle Stephens. The Basement. Interment will follow in Green Pine Cemetery. By the time he died, Stephens said her father had made it right. Browse Kyle local obituaries on Legacy.com. The HBO doc "At the Heart of Gold" does a better job at looking at victims and wide net for his predation (Holt High, Michigan State, TwistStars . MVP: Vaughn Weems, Federal Way, sr. Kyle was born on December 30th, 1969, in . Paul was a loving father, husband, son and brother who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Judge Rosemarie Aquilina wants him there so victims can look at him directly while they make their statements. He was so riddled with guilt and shame for not believing his little girl that, in 2016, he committed suicide. Shawn Murphy passed away on February 23, 2023 in Campbell, Missouri. By: Naveen Rao - Published: January 17, 2018 at 8:14 am. And then, it begins. She says she was about 6 years old when he first exposed himself to her. Put another way, they didn't want to believe that . Stephens was the first of 152 Nassar victims to testify at Nassar's sentencing hearing in January in Ingham County Court. Her parents were trying to figure out why I was such a horrible liar, and that made me a pretty big target, she said. Instead, they told their young daughter to apologise to her abuser. But while the family visited Nassar every Sunday in his family home, Nassar would take Kyle and her brother down to the basement to play hide and seek. Father of Three Larry Nassar Victims Lunges at 'Demon' Doctor in Court, Disgraced Former Gymnastics Doctor Larry Nassar Sentenced to 175 Years for Sexually Abusing Girls, Father Who Lunged at Larry Nassar in Courtroom: 'I'm No Hero, My Daughters Are the Heroes', pleaded guilty in November to several counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. Stephens was also a babysitter to Nassars children, and in court, she accused him of rubbing his genitalia on her and digitally penetrating her among other things. Larry Nassar, a family friend, exposed himself to her in a dark boiler room. This is what it looks like. Nassar has pleaded guilty to molesting females with his hands at his Michigan State University office, his home and a Lansing-area gymnastics club, often while their parents were in the room. Throughout my career, I have worked very hard to put Team MSU first. Kyle Z. Stephenson BARRE On Nov. 10, 2021, an Angel from Heaven came down unexpectedly and took our beloved Kyle. You convinced my parents that I was a liar, Stephens said. She went on: "After my parents confronted you, they brought you back to my house to speak with me. Norma leaves her daughter, Kyle Stephens and her wife, Janice Kwasniak, of Wakefield, RI; her daughter-in-law, Judy Stephens of Enfield . The judge consoled the 29 women and girls who spoke, or had their statements read on Tuesday, saying they should not blame themselves. Attired in blue prison garb, Nassar sat with his head down on Tuesday and did not appear to make eye contact with the victims when they addressed him directly. where he had lived most of his life, but he called Vermont his home. Stephens said Nassar denied the abuse and my parents chose to believe Larry Nassar over me. She said her parents made her speak with Nassar about the allegations, and the predator allegedly told her, No one should ever do that, and if they do, you should tell someone.. Jul 8, 2020. Two of the seven --- Drs. He was the youngest of three children. He was born on May 15, 1947 in Morgantown, West Virginia and was raised in East Liverpool, Ohio. Stollak, 79, retired from the MSU faculty in 2007. So the fact that his child would make such a heinous accusation with no pretense, really made me a target for [Nassar]., Stephens was just 6 years old when Nassar first exposed his penis to her in the dark boiler room of his Holt, Michigan, home, explaining in court: He told me, If you ever want to see it, all you have to do is ask. . The lawyers run through some last-minute logistics. "They were all medical professionals and shared a passion for the subject . We must demand that every candidate running for office has a sexual-abuse and assault prevention agenda. Both organizations previously said they were unaware of Nassars crimes. greenhill funeral home obituaries. KYLE STEPHENS OBITUARY. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. When an Instagram message is the only place where victims can speak their truth, we are failing. Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. where he had lived most of his life, but he called Vermont his home. I wanted him (Nassar)to hear what happened to my daughter the fact that he started the process of her self-destruction, according to video posted on the Lansing State Journal website. Kyle Stephens gives her victim impact statement. Richard Todd Stephens age 57 of Linden, AL died October 26, 2022 at Marengo Nursing Home. 0:03. The goal is to create a culture where those that make us look over our shoulders are too afraid to act on their impulses because they see our power, not our weakness. He labeled me within my family as someone that was just a vile person, Stephens said of Nassar during a Thursday appearance on Megyn Kelly Today alongside fellow victims Rachael Denhollander and Mattie Larson. Every day we do nothing, we send a message to victims everywhere that their pain doesnt matter, and that their lives are expendable. She holds the doctor responsible for her fathers premature death. Nassar was a family friend of Kyle Stephens parents and allegedly started molesting Stephens when she was just six years old. And you. "And I don't have to worry about running into him. The other women and girls who came into court during the sentencing mostly didn't know each other. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. Friday until the time of service at the funeral home. After Nassar was fired by MSU in 2016 and at his direction, Lemmen also removed boxes of documents from his office, according to a police report. We must start treating sexual abuse as a public health issue. Kyle attended schools in North Carolina. But they knew Rachael. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. I lost my father to his guilt. As time passed, the Nassars began pressuring Stephens into babysitting their children, she said. At one point, he took off his eyeglasses and dabbed his eyes with a tissue. 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