The quiet streets of Kingston, New York, were shattered by an unimaginable tragedy on April 23, 2025, when a mother of two young daughters was found dead in her home, killed by her husband, who then took his own life by jumping from the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge. The loss of Kayleigh Griffin, a 37-year-old award-winning filmmaker, and her husband, Caleb Smith, 45, has left a community grappling with grief and questions about the events that led to this devastating murder-suicide. Their two daughters, ages 3 and 11 months, now face a future without their parents, cared for by relatives as the town mourns.
The sequence of events began around noon on Wednesday, when the Town of Ulster Police Department received a distressing call about a person who had jumped from the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge, a towering structure spanning the Hudson River. Authorities arrived swiftly and recovered a body from the river below, later identifying the individual as Caleb Smith, a Kingston resident. As police prepared to notify Smith’s family, they visited the couple’s home at 82 Fair Street, only to discover a horrific scene. Inside, Kayleigh Griffin was found dead, having been fatally stabbed. The investigation, conducted jointly by the Kingston Police Department, Ulster Police, New York State Police, and the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office, quickly pointed to Smith as the perpetrator, concluding that he had killed his wife before taking his own life.
Kayleigh Griffin was remembered by those who knew her as a vibrant and kind-hearted woman. A former classmate described her as “smart, nice, and just…kind,” a sentiment echoed across social media as tributes poured in. Her work as a filmmaker had earned her recognition, and her dedication to her craft was matched only by her love for her two daughters. The loss of such a figure has reverberated through Kingston, a close-knit community unaccustomed to such violence. The couple, who had previously lived in Connecticut before settling in Kingston, leaves behind not only their children but also a legacy of unanswered questions.
In the days leading up to the tragedy, Caleb Smith posted a cryptic message on his Facebook page, writing, “Don’t believe everything you see on the internet, guilty until proven innocent or innocent until proven guilty?” The post, seen by his 500 followers, has since been scrutinized for any clues to his state of mind, though police have not publicly speculated on a motive for the killing. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities urging anyone with information to contact the Kingston Police Department’s Detective Division.
The Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge, a critical link between Ulster and Dutchess counties, has been the site of multiple suicides in recent years, prompting local lawmakers to advocate for enhanced safety measures, such as climb-deterrent fencing. The bridge’s tragic history adds a layer of sorrow to this case, as the community reflects on both the personal and systemic factors at play. For now, Kingston holds its collective breath, mourning the loss of a beloved mother and grappling with the fragility of life. The children, now in the care of family, serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of this heartbreak.