Los Angeles—Sarah Alden, a renowned collector and seller of vintage jewelry, has died at 53 after a violent attack left her brain dead. Alden, who sold her curated pieces under the brand Sarah Alden Estate on Roseark.com, succumbed to her injuries on May 24.
The attack occurred on April 6 near the Venice Canals in Los Angeles. Alden had recently signed a lease to move to Venice Beach from Massachusetts and was set to celebrate the move with friends. Following the attack, her family made the difficult decision to take her off life support.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched by a friend to support her two sons, covering memorial, funeral, medical expenses, and their college educations. As of press time, nearly $50,000 of the $150,000 goal had been raised.
“Sarah was looking to start a new chapter; instead, her life was violently taken from her,” reads the GoFundMe page. The family has chosen to donate her organs, hoping her love can continue through the lives of others.
Alden was cherished for her love of coastal sunrises and sunsets, homeschooling her sons, adoring her pets, and having a refined eye for vintage jewelry.
Industry colleagues remembered Alden on social media. Konstantinos Leoussis, founder of NYC Autumn Jewelry and Object Show, described her as an “irreplaceable friend” and praised her support for his endeavors. Ismael Khan of Ishy Antiques expressed disbelief over her death, calling her “one of the best people I’ve ever met.”
The alleged attacker, Anthony Francisco Jones, 29, has been charged with murder and is being held without bail, having pleaded not guilty. He is also accused of attacking another woman, Mary Klein, 54, who survived. A GoFundMe for Klein has raised $105,545, surpassing its $75,000 goal.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón extended sympathies to the victims’ families, emphasizing a commitment to justice. Jones faces life imprisonment without parole for the additional murder charge.
A memorial for Alden is scheduled for June 13 at 7 p.m. at the Venice Canals.
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