Florida bride grieves fiancé’s death as venue refuses refund, GoFundMe launched

LAKE MARY, Fla. — A Lake Mary bride-to-be grieving the sudden death of her fiancé says her wedding venue declined to refund thousands of dollars paid before his passing.

Lake Mary Bride-to-be Faces Sudden Loss Before Planned Spring Wedding

Tye Hinson lost her fiancé, William Coney, on Nov. 19 after he suffered a fatal heart attack at age 42. The couple had planned to marry in May 2026 in Central Florida, a place filled with memories from their early years together.

“This wasn’t like a cancellation,” Hinson told News 6. “This was a person dying.”

A Love Story Cut Short

Hinson met Coney more than 20 years ago at Orlando’s Fashion Square Mall. She was working at a store there, and he was a student at Full Sail University. Their friendship grew into a long-term bond that eventually led them back to Florida to plan their wedding.

They signed a contract with the Crystal Ballroom of Lake Mary in August. Hinson paid a $2,000 non-refundable administrative fee and later made additional payments totaling $5,609, per the News 6 report.

“The last payment that I gave them was literally two days before he died,” she told the outlet.

Crystal Ballroom Lake Mary Venue Enforces No‑Refund Policy

Two days after Coney’s death, Hinson notified the venue. She said she hoped compassion would guide the next steps. Instead, she learned the venue would not return the money.

She said an employee even suggested she use the space for a memorial on her wedding day.

“I understand contracts.” Hinson, who works as a cosmetologist and has provided makeup for weddings and other events, told the outlet. “I have issued a refund to someone when a hurricane destroyed their home before their wedding. My compassion as a human being carries over into my business.”

News 6 spoke with Crystal Ballroom owner Lukasz Rogowski who expressed sympathy but said the company’s policies are clear.

“We operate under different legal, financial and operational obligations and incur costs well in advance,” Rogowski told News 6.

Rogowski told the outlet that the venue’s non‑refund policy is outlined in writing before clients sign the contract and is reviewed during the initial meeting.

He noted that clients are encouraged to purchase third‑party cancellation insurance in case of unforseen circumstances.

Rogowski added that his team tries to accommodate clients facing serious illness, loss, or emergencies through options like alternative space use or postponements, while still following contract terms. He said, without naming Hinson, the company has been communicating with her wedding planner, Patricia Aro, rather than with Hinson directly, News 6 reports.

Community Steps In With Support

As Hinson worked through her grief, her wedding planner, Patricia Aro, created a GoFundMe campaign to help ease the financial burden.

The GoFundMe page describes Hinson’s situation as “unimaginable grief” paired with “deeply distressing financial hardship.” It says the community can support, if they wish, through the GoFundMe as she navigates the weeks ahead.

“We are doing everything we can to help her move through this painful chapter with dignity and care,” the page states.

Rogowski donated $525 to the GoFundMe campaign, News 6 confirmed, claiming the contribution was made in his personal capacity, unrelated to the Crystal Ballroom.

Supporters Hope Compassion Prevails

Aro said she hopes the community continues to rally around Hinson.

For now, Hinson is focused on healing and honoring Coney’s memory. She said the support from friends, strangers, and donors has helped her stay grounded during the most difficult time of her life.