Gina Heslop
On a fateful Friday evening in Lake Arrowhead, California, tragedy struck the close-knit community as Laura Carleton, affectionately known as Laurie, met a heartbreaking end. Laurie was an ordinary resident and the proud owner of two Mag. Pi clothing stores, one in Studio City and the other in Lake Arrowhead, making her a cherished local figure. Her support for the LGBTQIA+ community was unwavering, symbolized by the vibrant Pride flag that fluttered outside her shop.
The horrifying incident unfolded at around 5:00 p.m. on August 18 at her Lake Arrowhead store. First responders arrived swiftly, but their efforts were in vain. Laurie lay lifeless, a victim of a senseless act of violence triggered by her colorful flag. It was a grim reminder of the hatred that still lingers in some hearts.
The assailant fled the scene but was pursued relentlessly by law enforcement. About a mile away, a confrontation ensued, leading to the suspect’s demise. The details remained shrouded in tragedy, but one thing was clear – Laurie’s support for the LGBTQIA+ community had provoked this heinous act.
Laurie Carleton’s legacy extended beyond her business. She shared her life with her husband of 28 years and their nine children, living in Studio City and enjoying a lakeside cabin in Lake Arrowhead. Her journey in the fashion industry began with studies at the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena. She honed her skills working at Joseph Magnin Century City before her pivotal role at Kenneth Cole, where she spent over 15 years, leaving an indelible mark by building thriving businesses and collaborating with design teams.
For Laurie, Mag. Pi represented grace, ease, and unwavering dreams in the face of life’s challenges. Alongside her husband, she cherished a simpler life, surrounded by family, friends, and animals by the lake. Her untimely demise left a void not just in her community but in the world of fashion.
