Sarah Rice Obituary Update: Grief Strikes Community as Sarah Rice and Individual Pass Away After Suspected Murder-Suicide in Bethlehem

 The Bethlehem community is mourning the loss of two individuals who succumbed to gunshot injuries on Friday evening, in an event that officials are looking into as a suspected murder-suicide, as reported by the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office.

Emergency services arrived at approximately 10:45 p.m. at a residence located in the 200 block of 10th Avenue. Authorities discovered 39-year-old Sarah Rice deceased inside the home. A 42-year-old man, recognized by his family as Gregory “Greg,” was also found with gunshot injuries. He was taken to St. Luke’s University Hospital in Fountain Hill, where he was pronounced dead at 11:39 p.m., according to Coroner Daniel Buglio. Autopsies for both individuals are planned to be conducted on Monday.

The Bethlehem Police Department is spearheading the investigation, receiving support from the Lehigh County Homicide Task Force, the office of the Lehigh County District Attorney, and the coroner’s office. Further information has not been released as the investigation is ongoing. GoFundMe

Following this heartbreaking event, Sarah Rice's family issued a statement celebrating her life and inviting the community to unite in her memory.

“Our dear Sarah Rice was taken from us too soon due to a tragic occurrence in her home,” the family expressed. “At just 39 years of age, Sarah leaves an immeasurable emptiness in our lives.”

A candlelight vigil has been planned to honor Sarah and offer support to those impacted:

Date & Time: January 4, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.

Location: 209 10th Avenue, Bethlehem, PA

Details: Guests are encouraged to bring candles and balloons, as Sarah favored the colors black and blue.

Sarah Rice is remembered as a loving mother of four and a cherished daughter and sister. She is survived by her mother, Lori Rice; her older sister, Janell Rice; and her children—2-year-old Mila Reign, Gianna, Aria, and Aliyah. Family and friends describe her as caring, strong, and entirely devoted to her kids.

Tributes from her acquaintances have flooded in, showcasing the kindness she brought into the lives of others. “Sarah had a unique talent for making people feel appreciated and loved,” a friend remarked. “Her devotion to her children was profound—it shone through everything she did.” Another shared, “She embodied strength and kindness, consistently being there for those she cared about.”

The Bethlehem Area School District recognized the event in a statement, emphasizing that the incident has impacted students within the district. “Our thoughts are with all those affected during this immensely challenging time,” the district stated, noting their commitment to providing suitable support while maintaining the privacy of the involved students and families.

As the inquiry proceeds, community members are anticipated to assemble in unity at the vigil to commemorate Sarah Rice, celebrate her life, and create a supportive space for each other amid this period of sorrow.