Editor’s note: This story contains references to domestic violence. Information about domestic violence warning signs and resources for those in crisis is available at the end of this story.
Coloradoan, February 21, 2021 By Sady Swanson
When Danielle Hopton’s three best friends remember her, it’s the little moments that stick out.
For Emily Mulder, it’s the monster truck rally they went to together years ago with Hopton’s dad and brother. They weren’t really into monster trucks, so Mulder said they just walked around the arena goofing off.
“It’s little moments like that, that are just goofy and inside jokes and fun,” Mulder said. “That’s how I’ll always remember memories with her.”
Some big moments stick out for Mulder too, like their weekend trip to Denver a few years ago when they went to Water World and Elitch Gardens, and stayed in a hotel, where they swam in the pool and danced in the elevator.
Kaiya Anderson recalled middle school, when they all met. They would sit around playing group games on their phones together and take silly pictures of each other.
“Every single moment that you spent with her was perfect in it’s own way,” said Aislyn Papworth, who was also Hopton’s neighbor. “You can’t just pinpoint a specific thing because, I mean, we enjoyed every single second we got to spend with her.”
Hopton, 18, died Feb. 7 from injuries sustained in an assault late the night before, according to Fort Collins police. Hopton’s ex-boyfriend Stephen McNeil was arrested the same day and charged with first-degree murder and domestic violence, among other charges.
Mulder said when she read about McNeil’s arrest, she immediately texted Hopton to ask if she was OK.
Hopton never saw that text.
“I was just extremely concerned because I knew their history,” Mulder said.
She then texted Hopton’s mother, who called her and told her what happened.
“It was just crushing,” Anderson said, and she called Mulder and Papworth to tell them what happened after talking to Hopton’s mom. “… Danielle was such a beautiful person, such a light in all of our lives.”
The neighborhood has rallied around Hopton’s family to provide meals and other kinds of support, Papworth said.
Hopton loved animals and was particularly passionate about training guide dogs with her family. Papworth said Hopton worked hard to train them and was always so proud when they passed their training.
“(I’m) making sure that everything that I do and every decision that I make represent who she was and honor her,” Papworth said.
A GoFundMe page to raise money in Hopton’s honor for the Larimer Humane Society, Crossroads Safehouse and Guide Dogs for the Blind raised more than $37,000 as of Friday afternoon.
McNeil remains in Larimer County Jail with no bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 2 after attorneys asked the judge for more time to review the evidence in the case.
Teen dating violence ‘more common than people think’
Remembering Hopton is not only about honoring her memory, but also helping others in situations like hers, Mulder said.
“This isn’t something that should happen to anybody else,” Mulder said. “… This is something that should have been prevented.”
Teen dating violence is “more common than people think,” said Kari Clark of Alternatives to Violence in Loveland.
Girls and young women ages 16-24 experience the highest rate of intimate partner violence, Clark said.
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month