Tragedy as teen girl, 16, who vanished four days ago is found dead as huge numbers turn out for vigil

A teenage girl who vanished over the weekend in Washington state was found dead on Monday morning. 

Jenzele Couassi, 16, was last seen near Shoultes Road in North Marysville at around 5pm on Friday. 

Her family had been concerned for her well-being after she disappeared, saying that the teenager had been struggling with her mental health. 

Tulalip Tribal Police Department said that she was found in a tidal area where the Tulalip Bay meets Battle Creek. 

The official cause of death will be released by the local medical examiner at a later date.  

On Monday, dozens turned out for a vigil in memory of the teenager held in the parking lot of a nearby center. 

Jenzele Couassi, 16, was last seen near Shoultes Road in North Marysville at around 5pm on Friday

On Monday, hundreds turned out for a vigil in memory of the teenager held in the parking lot of a nearby center

While Couassi was not a tribal member, the local tribe wrapped her parents in blankets and sang traditional songs as if she was part of the community. 

Images taken at the vigil show dozens of fellow teenagers and the local community clutching candles and embracing each other. 

Friend Kaysie Collins wrote a letter to Couassi, telling Fox13: 'I wrote it like I was talking to her. She had such a big heart and such a kind soul.

'Me and her used to ride scooters from her house, and we'd always go see the sunset and look at the water.' 

Another friend Amari Flores did the same, telling the outlet: 'We had dreams of turning 18 and raising our kids together as best friends.

'I have a necklace with her that has a star and a moon on it, and she had the moon one and I have the star one.' 

An online fundraiser has also since been launched to help Couassi's family with funeral expenses.  

The GoFundMe says it hopes to raise enough fund to cover funeral expenses, with the rest going to help her family. 

Images taken at the vigil show dozens of fellow teenagers and the local community clutching candles and embracing each other

An online fundraiser has also since been launched to help Couassi's family with funeral expenses

In a statement, Tulalip Police Department said: 'Sadly, the deceased person found near the Tulalip Teen Center has been identified as Jenzele Couassi. 

'It is devastating to lose any community member, particularly such a young person.

'Tulalip participated in her search over the weekend, provided support and will continue to cooperate with local agencies to assist in any way we can.'