Eastern Montana Obituary – It is with deep sorrow that we announce the untimely passing of Michele Leyva, a beloved daughter, sister, friend, and a vibrant member of the Eastern Montana community. Michele, who was just 27 years old, tragically lost her life in a car accident on January 5, 2025, while traveling near Billings, Montana. The news of her death has left family, friends, and the community in shock, mourning the loss of a kind, caring, and joyful individual whose life was taken far too soon.
Michele Leyva was born on February 14, 1997, in Miles City, Montana, the youngest of three children in the Leyva family. Growing up in the wide-open spaces of Eastern Montana, Michele developed a love for the natural beauty surrounding her, often spending time outdoors, hiking, camping, and exploring the rugged terrain of the region. She was known for her adventurous spirit and deep connection to the land that shaped her upbringing.
Michele Leyva Eastern Montana Death, Obituary: Resident Dies In A Car Accident
Michele’s parents, Michael and Sarah Leyva, recall their daughter as a bright and lively child who brought warmth and laughter into their home. From a young age, Michele demonstrated a fierce determination and strong sense of compassion for others. Whether she was volunteering at local food banks or helping her elderly neighbors with household chores, Michele’s kindness was felt by everyone who crossed her path.
Michele attended Custer County District High School in Miles City, where she excelled academically and was well-liked by her peers. A dedicated student with a natural curiosity, Michele developed a passion for science and environmental studies during her high school years. She was an active member of the school’s environmental club, where she led several initiatives to promote sustainability and protect local wildlife.
After graduating in 2015, Michele went on to attend Montana State University in Bozeman, where she pursued a degree in Environmental Science. Her professors and classmates remember her as an inquisitive and driven student who was always eager to learn and contribute to discussions about conservation and sustainability. Michele was also involved in various student organizations, including the university’s environmental advocacy group, where she helped organize events and campaigns aimed at raising awareness about climate change and preserving natural resources.
Upon graduating in 2019, Michele returned to Eastern Montana, where she began her career in environmental consulting. Her work focused on providing guidance to local communities and businesses on sustainable practices and environmental conservation. Michele’s passion for the environment was matched only by her desire to make a positive impact on the world around her. She worked diligently to help her community adopt eco-friendly practices, and her contributions were recognized by colleagues and industry leaders alike.
Michele was deeply committed to her family, and her bond with her parents and siblings was unbreakable. Her sister, Jessica, and brother, David, were her closest confidantes, and they spent many hours together sharing stories, laughs, and supporting each other through life’s challenges. Michele was the type of person who could always be counted on for emotional support, and her family knew they could rely on her no matter the circumstances.
Outside of her professional life, Michele had a wide circle of friends who admired her for her loyalty, humor, and infectious energy. She had a zest for life and an ability to make everyone around her feel welcome and valued. Her friends describe her as someone who could always brighten their day with a smile or a kind word. Whether it was hosting gatherings at her home or going on spontaneous adventures with her friends, Michele’s warmth and enthusiasm made her the heart of any group.
Michele’s love for animals was another defining aspect of her personality. She had a soft spot for rescue animals and was involved with local animal shelters, where she volunteered her time to help care for and rehome animals in need. Her own dog, Luna, was a constant companion, and the two shared a special bond. Michele’s compassion for animals extended to all living creatures, and her commitment to their well-being was evident in the countless hours she devoted to animal rescue efforts.
On the evening of January 5, 2025, Michele was driving home from a weekend visit with friends in Billings, Montana. As she was traveling along Highway 87 near the outskirts of the city, her car collided with another vehicle in a tragic accident. The crash resulted in severe damage to both vehicles, and despite the efforts of emergency responders, Michele succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
The other driver involved in the accident was transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities have stated that the accident is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest that icy road conditions may have played a role in the collision. While the news of Michele’s death has devastated her family and the community, they find comfort in knowing that she lived her life to the fullest, leaving a positive impact on everyone she encountered.
Michele’s passing has left a profound void in the hearts of all who knew her. She was a woman of remarkable character—compassionate, hardworking, and deeply connected to the people and causes she cared about. Her dedication to environmental conservation, her love for animals, and her unwavering commitment to her family and friends were just a few of the many qualities that made Michele so special.
Her family, friends, and colleagues remember her not only for her accomplishments but also for the warmth and joy she brought to every aspect of her life. Michele’s laughter, kindness, and generous spirit will continue to inspire those who knew her, and her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched.
The Eastern Montana community has come together to support Michele’s family during this difficult time. A memorial service will be held on January 10, 2025, at the Miles City Community Center, where friends, family, and colleagues will gather to celebrate Michele’s life and honor her memory. The service will begin at 2:00 PM, followed by a reception to share stories and memories of Michele.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Eastern Montana Animal Rescue Fund or the Montana Environmental Advocacy Group, two causes that were dear to Michele’s heart.
As Michele’s family and friends come together to mourn her loss, they are reminded of the indelible mark she left on the world. Michele Leyva was a young woman with a bright future ahead of her, and while her life was tragically cut short, her impact will be felt for years to come. She will be deeply missed, but her love for the environment, animals, and her community will continue to inspire others to live with kindness, compassion, and a commitment to making the world a better place.
May Michele Leyva rest in peace, and may her family find comfort in the support of those who share in their grief.
