Published on: January 9, 2025, 06:26h. 

Last updated on: January 9, 2025, 06:26h.

Family, friends, and classmates are grieving the loss of a high school student from Henderson, Nev. New details have surfaced about her disappearance and tragic end.

The 17-year-old girl, Jennaleah “Jenna” Hin, took her stepfather’s gun, a North Las Vegas police officer, and fled home on December 30 after a disagreement with her parents over a boyfriend, as per her biological father, Hina Hin.

Hina Hin disclosed to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, “They had a huge argument,” in reference to the Swansons. “This was no minor argument.”

A police report from Hina Hin stated that Corey Swanson believed the teen had taken his Glock 43 handgun.

Hina Hin expressed to the Review-Journal, “They should have secured their guns better. This is a death that could have been easily avoided.”

Following their separation, Hina Hin had not seen his daughter in person for about a year due to disputes with her mother regarding visitations.

After the girl ran away, Jennifer Swanson contacted Hina Hin, who initially thought she would return after a night out but got alarmed when informed by Jennifer Swanson that the teen left a suicide note, reported the Review-Journal.

A massive search was conducted, focusing on the girl’s survival skills in the desert without sustenance. Hina Hin actively participated in the search effort.

Hina Hin recounted to Las Vegas TV station KSNV, “I was out there searching for her, screaming her name.”

The Swansons and authorities quickly reported her disappearance, urging the public to assist. Despite relentless search efforts, she was found dead by a hiker on Sunday, succumbing to a self-inflicted gunshot wound, as confirmed by the county coroner after an autopsy.

Hina Hin visited the site of her daughter’s passing.

I felt her presence at the location …, and it’s still heartbreaking. It feels like a nightmare that I just want to wake up from, that I don’t believe this is even real,” he expressed to KSNV.

Remembering Jenna

Sincere tributes have poured in for the teen since the tragic event.

Hina Hin shared on a GoFundMe page, “Jenna was a loving soul who simply wanted to be loved. She had the potential to live a beautiful, long and happy life. She loved animals, especially her dogs. Jenna was truly a wonderful person, both in heart and in spirit. She will be deeply missed, and her memory will forever live on in our hearts.”

Those wishing to support the family with funeral expenses can contribute via GoFundMe. As of today, the raised amount is $5,887, with a goal of $13,000.

A candlelight vigil in honor of Jennaleah Hin is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Saturday at the corner of Spanish Needle Street and Desert Sunflower Circle in Henderson.

Participants are encouraged to bring candles and balloons in white, blue, or gold, symbolizing Foothill High School’s colors where Hin excelled academically with an A-average.