OMAHA, Neb. — The Omaha community is reeling from the tragic and senseless loss of 17-year-old AJ “Zara” Sobansky, a beloved rising junior at Millard North High School. AJ was killed on the evening of Friday, June 6, 2025, in what Omaha police have confirmed as a murder-suicide, an event that has sent shockwaves throughout the city and left her family, friends, and classmates heartbroken.
The incident occurred shortly after 9:00 p.m. in a quiet commercial area near 137th Street and California Street in West Omaha. Police were called to the scene after reports of gunfire in the parking lot. Upon arrival, authorities found AJ’s lifeless body inside a vehicle, and an 18-year-old male was discovered nearby, suffering from a fatal self-inflicted gunshot wound. Investigators believe that the young man shot AJ before taking his own life. The tragic event has left many unanswered questions, with the Omaha Police Department continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
AJ Sobansky was a bright, talented, and deeply loved young woman, known for her artistic abilities and her heart full of authenticity. She was an active member of the Millard North High School community, where she was involved in a variety of extracurricular activities, including show choir, theater, forensics, and poetry. AJ’s charisma and passion for the arts shone brightly, and she recently showcased her incredible talent in the school’s production of Mean Girls. Her performances were a reflection of her energetic spirit and her ability to connect with others through her art.
“AJ was smart, talented, and completely herself,” her loved ones shared in a tribute following her death. “She brought joy, honesty, and heart to everything she did—whether on stage, in class, or just spending time with her friends. She was deeply loved and will be dearly missed.”
AJ’s teachers remember her as a student who wasn’t afraid to speak her mind and who always offered support to her peers. Her genuine kindness and willingness to stand up for what she believed in made her a role model for her classmates. AJ’s infectious energy and fierce individuality left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered, and her absence has left a void in the hearts of those who knew her.
The Sobansky family, devastated by this unimaginable loss, is struggling to come to terms with the death of their daughter. AJ is survived by her parents, Cody and Erin, and her siblings, Zoren, Zehla, and Ziggy. Friends of the family have rallied around them, offering support and solidarity during this tragic time. “All our hearts are broken with the tragic loss of our sweet AJ,” one family friend wrote. “We want to wrap our arms around the Sobansky family as they navigate this unthinkable pain.”
AJ’s death has also cast a shadow over the Millard North community, where students, faculty, and staff are grieving the loss of a talented young woman who had so much potential. The Omaha Police Department has not released details regarding the relationship between AJ and the 18-year-old male involved in the incident or a potential motive. As investigators continue to look into the circumstances surrounding the tragic event, the focus remains on understanding what led to the violence that claimed AJ’s life.
In the face of such loss, the school has been working to provide support for students and faculty who are struggling with grief and emotional distress. Grief counselors and mental health professionals have been made available to the Millard North community, helping them navigate the difficult emotions brought on by this tragedy. The school has encouraged students to lean on one another for support and to reach out for help if they need it.
Community leaders and mental health professionals are urging those affected by the tragedy to stay connected and seek assistance when necessary. In the wake of the loss, many are encouraging open discussions about mental health, particularly among young people who may be struggling in silence. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7 by calling or texting 988, is being promoted as a resource for anyone in need of emotional support during this difficult time.
The passing of AJ Sobansky has brought the Omaha community together in a way that highlights the power of love, empathy, and solidarity. As the city grapples with this tragic event, many are reflecting on AJ’s life and the positive impact she had on everyone around her. From her friends and classmates to her teachers and the greater Omaha community, AJ’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. She is remembered not only for her talents but for her kind heart, her willingness to be authentic, and her ability to make everyone feel welcome and loved.
While the circumstances surrounding AJ’s death remain under investigation, what is clear is the profound impact she had on those who knew her. Her story is one of a young woman who lived life to the fullest, embracing her passions and bringing light to the lives of others. In the wake of her tragic passing, those who loved AJ are committed to honoring her memory by carrying forward her spirit of kindness, creativity, and individuality.
The tragedy of AJ Sobansky’s death has left an indelible mark on the Millard North High School community, but it also serves as a reminder of the importance of cherishing every moment and expressing love for those around us. AJ’s story is one of a life cut short, but one that will never be forgotten. Her memory will continue to inspire those who knew her, and her spirit will live on through the performances she gave, the friendships she built, and the joy she brought to everyone she encountered.
As the community continues to mourn AJ’s passing, they find comfort in knowing that her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Rest in peace, AJ “Zara” Sobansky. You were loved deeply, and you will be missed forever. Your story will not be forgotten, and the light you shared with the world will continue to shine brightly. GoFundMe
