‘A talent, a light’: St. Pete dance community remembers LeAnne Selman after Citibank shooting

The vibrant colors of a costume, the heat of a flame dancing on skin – these were the hallmarks of LeAnne Selman’s life, a life tragically cut short in Wednesday’s shooting at a Citibank campus in Brandon. Selman, 41, of Palm Harbor, was a beloved employee at Citibank for nine years, but her true passion lay within Tampa Bay’s performing arts community, where she shone as a dancer, performer, and dedicated member for over a decade. Now, that community is grappling with profound grief, struggling to reconcile the joy she brought with the circumstances of her death.

What Happened

On Wednesday, Jacob Pearson, 35, drove onto the Citibank campus armed with a rifle, handgun, and 90 rounds of ammunition. Investigators say Pearson was angry over a $2,500 delinquent Citibank debt and a court summons. He had previously made threats involving an AR-15 and body armor to an attorney's office contracted by Citibank for collections. After confronting a security officer, John Fraley, a Marine Corps veteran, Pearson opened fire. Fraley exchanged gunfire with Pearson, shooting him five times before the gunman succumbed to his injuries at Tampa General Hospital. LeAnne Selman was the first employee Pearson encountered and tragically lost her life in the initial attack.

Selman worked in human resources at Citibank as a learning adviser and was described by Citigroup executive Ed Skyler as a “bright light” and a “valued and beloved employee.” Citigroup has been in contact with Selman’s family and requested privacy during this difficult time. Company leaders intend to find a way to honor her life and contributions, a process they acknowledge will take time. According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Pearson had no connection to Selman, and the shooting was a case of being “in the wrong place at the wrong time.” The Sheriff's Office credited Fraley with preventing further casualties, estimating that Pearson intended to kill multiple Citibank employees, where approximately 3,200 employees were present that day.

Selman’s impact extended far beyond her professional life. She was a dedicated member of Tampa Bay’s performing arts community, known for her fire dancing and involvement in various dance forms. “She was just a talent, a light more than anything,” said Natalia Vargas, a fellow performer who crossed paths with Selman backstage at a Hip Expressions event last year. Vargas recalled connecting with Selman over their shared enthusiasm for the event’s vibrant costumes. Selman’s commitment to community and collaboration was emphasized in a statement from Hip Expressions, an organization where she performed for over a decade. “LeAnne’s love and friendship is sorely missed and leaves a hole in many of our hearts.”

Community Reaction

The news of Selman’s death has resonated deeply within the Tampa Bay dance community, which often functions as a close-knit “second family.” Vargas explained that dance requires performers to be vulnerable with one another, fostering strong bonds built over countless rehearsals, performances, and shared experiences. “We're using our body, our emotions, and this is like family,” Vargas said. The loss of Selman has underscored the profound sense of connection within this community, highlighting the emotional toll of such a tragedy.

In a testament to the community’s desire to remember Selman, Hip Expressions planned to hold its annual fundraiser, Tribal Burn, this weekend. The event, benefiting Sacred Lands, would typically feature “movement, music, and shared remembrance.” However, organizers made the difficult decision to close this year's event to news media to protect the intimate nature of the gathering and respect Selman’s loved ones’ privacy. Sacred Lands is a local organization dedicated to preserving and restoring Florida's natural and cultural heritage. Hip Expressions expressed appreciation for the media’s interest in sharing Selman’s story but requested space for the community to grieve privately, opening the door for personal interviews after the show.

Respecting Privacy

The decision to limit media access underscores the importance of allowing families and communities to grieve in private. While sharing stories and celebrating lives is vital, respecting boundaries and honoring personal wishes is paramount, especially during times of intense sorrow. The outpouring of support and condolences reflects the deep respect and affection held for Selman within the community.

What's Next

This Saturday, Hip Expressions will proceed with Tribal Burn, now transformed into a tribute to LeAnne Selman. The event, held at Sacred Lands Preservation, will feature performances and shared remembrance. While the event is closed to the media, organizers have indicated a willingness to conduct personal interviews afterward. The community is also considering ways to permanently honor Selman’s life and contributions within the Citibank workplace.

Remembering LeAnne Selman

Abby Albaum, a friend of Selman, described her as a 'beautiful person' who deserved to be honored for all of her talents and kindness. “Sometimes when tragedies like this occur, people only remember how they died and not the beautiful life that existed before the tragedy,” Albaum said. She highlighted Selman's reliability, talent, and kind-hearted nature, emphasizing her positive impact on the local dance community. Selman’s fire dancing was particularly memorable, with Vargas describing her as an “incredible entertainer” whose skill inspired others.

Marcus's Take

The tragedy at Citibank serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the connections we have. LeAnne Selman’s story isn’t just about a senseless act of violence; it’s about a woman who brought joy and creativity to two distinct communities – her workplace and the vibrant world of performing arts. It's easy to get caught up in the headlines, the statistics, the details of the crime. But it's vital to remember that behind every statistic is a person, a daughter, a friend, a colleague—someone whose absence leaves a void in the lives of those who knew her.

What’s particularly poignant is how Selman’s dance community describes her: a “talent, a light.” It speaks to the power of art to illuminate lives and create bonds. As a community, we should reflect on how we can foster spaces where creativity thrives and where people feel connected. The commitment to strong families and supportive communities is more important than ever, especially in the face of such profound loss. While we can’t erase the pain of this tragedy, we can honor LeAnne Selman’s memory by embracing the values she embodied – creativity, kindness, and a commitment to community. The stability of families and the strength of faith are anchors in times like these, offering solace and a path forward.

Resources

For those seeking support or information related to the shooting, the following resources are available:

• Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office: https://www.hcso.org/
• Citigroup Employee Assistance Program: Contact your HR department for details.
• Sacred Lands Preservation: https://www.sacredlands.org/
• Hip Expressions: Information about future events and community support can be found on their website or social media channels.

Individuals experiencing emotional distress are encouraged to contact the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay at 2-1-1.

The loss of LeAnne Selman is a tragedy that has shaken our community. As we move forward, it’s crucial to remember her contributions, honor her memory, and reaffirm our commitment to building a community rooted in compassion, creativity, and unwavering support for one another. The outpouring of grief and the planned tribute at Tribal Burn are testaments to the enduring impact of a life well-lived, a light extinguished far too soon.