Carly’s Story
Carly Joan Grozier was born March 4, 2003, to her devoted parents, Cathie and Vance. In her nearly 21 years of life, Carly brought light and joy to everyone fortunate enough to know her, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of her friends and family. Her sharp observation skills often revealed themselves through her distinctive wit and sass — a combination that never failed to bring laughter and meaningful insight to every conversation.
Carly’s passions were as vibrant as her personality. She adored country music, could spend hours exploring the world of YouTube, found joy in playing lacrosse, and loved to express herself through fashion. Yet, it was her character that truly set her apart. She was a brave and confident young woman, defined by her boundless kindness and selflessness. Carly always put others first, embodying a spirit of generosity and care that inspired those around her.
Tragically, Carly’s life was forever altered on September 6, 2023, when she became the victim of a devastating explosion at her off-campus home near West Virginia University. The blast occurred after her landlord hired an unlicensed contractor to perform plumbing work, during which he activated a previously dormant gas line. Carly sustained life threatening injuries which placed her in the Intensive Burn Care Unit at West Penn Hospital. For over four months, she fought with unwavering strength before succumbing to her injuries on January 17, 2024.
Carly’s Cause was founded to honor her legacy and prevent similar tragedies from occurring. In all that we do, we aim to carry forward Carly’s spirit of love, positivity, and resilience — qualities she so effortlessly shared with the world. Together, we can make a difference and build a future where no family has to endure such a heartbreaking loss.