A poignant memorial service was held on Wednesday evening to celebrate the life of Christine Ponthieux, the office manager at Tampa’s renowned Benz Model & Talent Agency. Ponthieux tragically took her own life in the private office of agency owner Steve Benz last month, an event that followed an email she sent to some of the agency’s clients expressing her anger towards him.
On April 25th, Tampa Police were called to the Benz Model & Talent Agency offices where they discovered Christine Ponthieux deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound within Steve Benz’s locked office. The door had to be forced open to gain entry. Steve Benz was not present at the time of the incident, nor did he attend the subsequent memorial service.
The memorial service, a celebration of Christine’s life, was held at the Wedding Retreat in Plant City, Florida, offering a rustic and fitting backdrop for remembering her. Her three daughters delivered heartfelt eulogies in honor of their mother. The atmosphere was filled with country music, the gentle sounds of horses nearby, and a barn illuminated with soft string lights. “It was really beautiful,” shared an attendee. “She was kind of a country girl, and it was a perfect tribute to her. She was really loved. It was a nice group of people who really loved her.” Christine would have reached her 51st birthday in October.
Approximately 50 close friends and family members gathered to commemorate Christine, including colleagues from Benz Model & Talent Agency and around a dozen of the agency’s actor-clients. Conversations at the tables revolved around cherished memories of Christine’s life, alongside inevitable questions surrounding the circumstances of her death.
Tampa Police have stated that they will not be releasing a police report at this time, citing that “the case is still open.” However, authorities have indicated no evidence of foul play in the incident.
A message posted on the Benz Model & Talent Agency website publicly acknowledged Christine’s passing and her significant contribution to the company: “Christine worked for us for close to 20 years and will be greatly missed. She was an integral part of our success. There are so many things we will miss about her and will cherish all of the memories. Our deepest condolences go out to her family and friends. May she rest in peace.”
