LEXIE THAYER
STAFF WRITER
On March 19, the Alma Police were dispatched to LA Nails, located at 7431 Alger Road, for an active assault.
The owner of the salon, Travis Nguyen, who also went by Steve, was killed in an altercation that occurred between him and his cousin. The perpetrator is currently in custody and was scheduled to return to 65B District Court in Ithaca on April 3 for a probable cause conference.
According to the Nguyen family’s GoFundMe, Travis Nguyen was the sole provider of his family of seven – his youngest daughter is just six years old. He is remembered as an impactful member of Gratiot County, along with having high work ethic and family priorities.
Through this GoFundMe, hundreds of community members and several businesses have shown solidarity with LA Nails. The GoFundMe goal was originally set at $50,000 but is now at over $65,000, with more donations still coming in.
“It’s so amazing how Alma’s small community came together to support the family of the victim. Watching the number grow over these few weeks has made me feel very sentimental,” said Petra Wilson (‘28).
Despite this, the future of LA Nails as a business is uncertain due to the family’s current financial hardship and Ngyun’s large contributions to his business.
“As a student who got their nails done at LA, I hope that the family all takes time to de-stress and cope as they need. If they never reopen LA Nails, it just means that they are learning to adapt to their new circumstance, and we should support that,” said Hailee Risner (‘28).
“It hurts to think that this was a family-run business, and now they will have to go without their foundation. I can’t even imagine what the family is going through, and I wish them the absolute best,” said Lillian Sierwakowski (‘28).
The tragic incident has deeply affected the Alma College community and raised important questions about safety and communication, sparking a conversation about the need for more proactive alerts regarding local emergencies.
“As a student of Alma College, it would make me feel much safer if Alma College sent out an alert of any major crime that occurs in the area,” said Cole Putman (‘28).
“I feel like Alma College should at least tell us about disputes in public spaces. People can argue that that’s the news’ job, but many people are not from the area and wouldn’t even know which news channel to check,” said Isabella Manor (‘27).
Many students on campus agreed, arguing that Alma College already has an alert system that could potentially notify students of crime in the area.
“Like, what if there was a major shooting at the local Meijer and students didn’t know? […] Without an alert, students could put themselves in danger,” said Manor.
This discussion has sparked a call for more transparency and communication, ensuring that students are informed of any potential risks or threats to their safety.
For individuals wishing to support the Nguyen family’s current expenses, such as funeral costs, moving expenses to relocate the family and rent for the oldest daughters in college, please visit the family’s GoFundMe.
For students impacted by the tragedy, the Wilcox Health Center is available for students struggling with emotional struggles. “Let’s Talk” appointments are free and confidential for all Alma College students.
The Almanian: News 
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