On August 5 Juju Nadeau and three of her friends were walking on Black Cove Trail in Portland, Maine when they were attacked by a man on a bicycle. The man, now identified as Glen Rodney, 58 allegedly attacked Nadeau with a knife after yelling at the the group.
Rodney stabbed Nadeau, who was 21 at the time, in the chest after chasing the group under Tukey’s Bridge. Nadeau’s wound was fatal, and she died at MaineHealth Maine Medical Hospital that day. Loved ones of Nadeau told Them how devastated they were with the loss and described what a “divine” presence Nadeau was in their life.
Nadeau identified as a fennec fox therian and as a member of the transgender and furry community. Friends and family commented on how these connections manifested in Nadeau’s transcendent presence. Kasper Dewitt, Nadeau’s partner of two years, comments on their partner saying, “She was an angel sent here to make things better—and she did.”
After Nadeau’s death she was misgendered and deadnamed by multiple early press organizations. This is a common occurrence for transgender victims of violent crime.
Dewitt described Nadeau’s passion for furry conventions such as Anthrocon and told Them Furry conventions were Juju’s favorite place in the world. Dewitt was planning to propose to Nadeau at the next Anthrocon. At such conventions Nadeau would visit the Allegheny River, party with her friends, dance and connect with her community.
Under Tukey’s bridge, where Nadeau was stabbed, friends and strangers alike have begun to pay homage to Nadeau by leaving flowers and notes wishing her well. Liz McGehee, Nadeau’s best friend, is looking to memorialize Nadeau by opening the first furry gay bar on the East Coast under the name “Juju’s.” To McGehee, the only fitting way to say goodbye is to create a safe space for the people that Nadeau loved so much.
Dewitt’s parents commented on the loss saying “It’s cliche to say someone lit up a room, but if you knew her–That’s exactly how it was. This was a kind, compassionate, vibrant, spirited person with a whole life ahead of her.”
