The Tragic Loss of Pava LaPere: A Rising Star in the Tech World

Pava Marie LaPere was a 26-year-old entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of EcoMap Technologies[2]. Born on January 21, 1997, in Tucson, Arizona, she was the daughter of Caroline and Frank LaPere[6]. Pava attended Johns Hopkins University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology[6]. During her time at university, she co-founded and served as the President of TCO Labs, a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem at Johns Hopkins University[6].

LaPere founded EcoMap Technologies at the age of 22 in her dorm room[2]. The company focused on hyperlocal, ecosystem-based economic development to create a more equitable future for all communities[2]. Her workforce was 50% female and 50% people of color, and her clients included The Aspen Institute, Meta, the WXR Fund, and T.Rowe Price Foundation[2]. In 2023, she was listed in Forbes' "30 Under 30" class for social impact and was recognized in Baltimore's 40 Under 40 and Maryland's 25 Under 25 lists for innovation[2].

The Tragic Incident

On September 25, 2023, Pava LaPere was found dead in her apartment in Baltimore[10]. She had suffered blunt force trauma, and her death was investigated as a homicide[1]. The police were initially contacted about a missing person but later received a second call that led them to her body[1]. The suspect, Jason Dean Billingsley, was charged with first-degree murder and was considered armed and extremely dangerous[9].

Community and Family Mourning

Pava LaPere's tragic death left a profound impact on her family, friends, and the Baltimore community. Her father, Frank LaPere, described her as an inspiration to many people, driven, creative, hardworking, and relentless in her efforts with her team at EcoMap Technologies[9]. Johns Hopkins University released a statement mourning her loss, stating that she was well known and loved in the Baltimore entrepreneurship community and would be profoundly missed[11].

Conclusion

Pava LaPere's untimely death is a tragic reminder of the incredible potential and talent that can be tragically curtailed. As a visionary entrepreneur and a deeply compassionate and dedicated leader, her legacy will live on through the work of EcoMap Technologies and the lives she touched[7]. The Baltimore community and her family continue to mourn her loss, and the pursuit of justice for Pava LaPere remains ongoing.

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