Bozeman, MT — A deep sense of sorrow has settled over the Gallatin Valley following the tragic death of 27-year-old Sophie Steigerwald, whose warmth, kindness, and love for Montana’s wild beauty touched all who knew her.

On an otherwise ordinary evening, Sophie was walking home from a bookstore — her canvas tote filled with novels and poetry — when her path crossed with an oncoming train near the historic depot. The collision ended a life filled with promise, compassion, and quiet joy, leaving the community in stunned grief.

Born and raised in Bozeman, Sophie was the eldest child of Harold and Denise Steigerwald and a guiding presence for her younger brothers, Ethan and Lucas. She was known for her adventurous spirit, her devotion to family, and her ability to transform ordinary days into cherished memories. A graduate of Montana State University with a degree in environmental science, Sophie dreamed of dedicating her career to preserving the Rocky Mountains she so deeply loved.

Friends recall her as a dreamer and a listener, someone who found beauty in small moments — the song of a bird, a blooming wildflower, the whistle of a train. Her absence has left a void felt across coffee shops, neighborhoods, and trails she often walked.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Story Mansion Park, where loved ones and community members are invited to gather with wildflowers, music, and stories, honoring Sophie for the way she lived rather than the tragedy that took her.

Sophie is survived by her parents, her brothers, her grandparents, and countless friends who will forever carry her memory. Though her time was far too short, her legacy of gentleness, courage, and care will continue to bloom in the hearts of those she touched.