A poignant memorial service honored Christine Ponthieux, the office manager of Benz Talent And Modeling Agency Tampa, following her tragic death last month. The service, held on Wednesday evening, remembered Ponthieux after she died by suicide in the agency owner’s office. This occurred after she reportedly sent a letter expressing anger towards him to some agency clients.
Tampa Police responded to the Benz Talent and Modeling Agency Tampa offices on April 25th and discovered Ponthieux deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside agency owner Steve Benz’s private office. The office door was locked from within, requiring forced entry. Steve Benz was not present at the time of the incident, nor did he attend the subsequent memorial service.
The celebration of Christine Ponthieux’s life took place at The Wedding Retreat in Plant City, Florida, offering a rustic and fitting backdrop. Her three daughters delivered heartfelt eulogies during the ceremony, which featured country music and the sounds of horses, reflecting her country roots. An attendee described the atmosphere as “really beautiful” and a “perfect tribute to her,” emphasizing that “she was really loved” by a gathering of close friends and family, including around 50 people with a few colleagues from Benz Talent and Modeling Agency Tampa and approximately a dozen of the agency’s actor-clients. Stories and memories of Christine were shared, although questions surrounding the circumstances of her death remained unspoken but present.
The Tampa Police Department has stated that the investigation into Ponthieux’s death is still ongoing but have indicated no signs of foul play.
A message posted on the Benz Talent and Modeling Agency Tampa website acknowledged Christine Ponthieux’s two decades of service: “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.” Her upcoming 51st birthday would have been in October.
