COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Some losses defy explanation. The sudden passing of 13-year-old Annabelle Hollon on Monday night — the day after Mother’s Day — has left a gaping wound in the heart of a Colorado Springs military family and the wider community that loved her.
Annabelle, the eldest daughter of Candace and Brandon Hollon, died unexpectedly at home. The specific cause of death has not been publicly released by the family, who have asked for privacy as they navigate this unfathomable grief. What is abundantly clear, however, is the profound impact this eighth-grader had on everyone who knew her.
‘My Best Friend. Our Oldest Baby Girl.’
In a raw, heartbreaking social media post, Candace Hollon — a veteran, active-duty military spouse, and real estate professional — wrote words no parent should ever have to compose.
“There really is no way to properly put into words the devastation that has hit our family,” Candace shared. “On Monday night… we lost Annabelle. My best friend. Our oldest baby girl. At 13 years old. 💔”
She described the pain of joining “the worst club to be a part of” — that of bereaved parents. “I am in such shock and disbelief. I just want my baby girl back.”
Candace also asked for specific prayers for Annabelle’s brother, Xander, who she said found his sister. “Finding your sister in that state has to be absolutely gut wrenching,” she wrote. “My poor babies… all of them.”
A Community Wrapped in Grief and Grace
The response from the Colorado Springs community has been immediate and overwhelming. Family friend Kyle Petitt, a real estate expert, noted that Annabelle had been in his home many times. “This one is deeply personal,” he wrote.
A GoFundMe campaign was established to help the Hollon family with funeral costs, travel expenses for out-of-state relatives, and immediate financial breathing room. The original 10,000goalwasmetwithinthefirsthour.Asofthiswriting,thegoalhasbeenraisedto20,000 to ensure the family can focus on healing rather than bills.
Services This Saturday
A visitation and funeral service will be held Saturday, May 16th at the Shrine of Remembrance, located at 1730 E. Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80910.
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Visitation: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
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Memorial Service: 3:00 p.m.
Flowers may be sent directly to the Shrine of Remembrance (719-634-1597). For those wishing to offer practical support:
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Meal train: [GiveInKind Link]
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Travel costs / memorial fund: [GoFundMe Link]
‘I Hope You’re Smiling in Heaven’
Annabelle’s aunt, Amanda Hollon, shared a poignant farewell: “13 years you got to be here with us wasn’t long enough. Annabelle, I hope you’re smiling in heaven, and I hope you know how much love is still here for you on earth. We all miss you so much. Rest easy, sweet girl. 💛”
For a family that has given so much in service to their country, the community is now being asked to serve them. Whether through a donation, a shared meal, or simply a silent prayer, the message is clear: Annabelle will not be forgotten.
If you do not know what to say, the family has asked that you simply leave a heart or the word “loved.”