Desiree Duffaut Obituary, Death: Raymond Community Mourns Beloved 17-Year-Old Student and Athlete

The Raymond, New Hampshire, community is mourning the unexpected loss of Desiree “Desi” Duffaut, a 17-year-old student and athlete whose death on August 3, 2026, has left her family, classmates, teammates, coaches, and friends devastated.

Desi was remembered as a determined and energetic young woman whose life was deeply connected to athletics, family, and her community. She played basketball, softball, soccer, and volleyball and competed in track, including the long jump and triple jump. Volleyball ultimately became one of the defining passions of her high school years.

One of Desi’s most lasting contributions came when she noticed that Raymond Middle School did not have a volleyball team. At only 12 or 13 years old, she approached the school’s principal, developed a proposal and budget, found a coach, and helped establish the school’s first volleyball program. The program continues to grow, leaving a lasting connection between Desi and the sport she loved.

Her involvement in volleyball continued through high school and club competition. She played with organizations including C3 Volleyball Club, Elite Z, and the Titans, where she was remembered for her competitive spirit, encouragement, and infectious personality.

Beyond athletics, Desi was known for her individuality and caring nature. She loved fashion, expressed herself confidently, and was honored as Raymond’s first official Little Miss Raymond. During the pageant, she spoke about wanting to save animals, particularly squirrels and chipmunks, reflecting the compassion that family and friends associated with her.

Desi was also deeply devoted to her family. She was one of six siblings and shared an especially close bond with her brother Drezell and sister Alani. Her family remembered the three as the “Original Trio,” while emphasizing the love she shared with all of her siblings.

Her sudden death has brought grief throughout Raymond and the surrounding community. Classmates, teammates, coaches, teachers, and friends are now remembering a young woman whose enthusiasm and determination made a lasting impression.

The circumstances surrounding Desi’s death have not been publicly disclosed in the family’s obituary. Her family has instead invited those who knew and loved her to come together to celebrate her life.

A celebration of life is scheduled for Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Raymond Middle School. The family has also asked that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations support the Raymond Middle School Volleyball Program—a fitting tribute to the young woman who helped create it.

Desiree “Desi” Duffaut leaves behind a legacy of determination, athleticism, family devotion, kindness, and community spirit. Though her life ended at just 17, the volleyball program she helped establish and the memories she created with family, friends, and teammates will continue to keep her memory alive.

The thoughts and condolences of the Raymond community remain with Desi’s parents, siblings, extended family, teammates, classmates, coaches, and friends as they mourn her heartbreaking loss.