Jessica Koelsch Bibza

#livelikejessica

 

Jessica Bibza, from St. Petersburg FL, was one badass gal. Her positive "can do" attitude, passionate vivacious spirit and SMILE were forces to emulate. Tragically, she was struck and killed while riding her bike on September 24, 2022, in Tampa, FL. It was her last training ride before heading to Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, for the 2022 Ironman World Championships. 

 

Jessica was an elite triathlete (10x Ironman), an ambassador for coastal conservation, a respected marine biologist and one of only a handful of manatee experts. She was a loving wife to Todd Bibza, a daughter, sister, stepmom, aunt, and cat mom. 

 

She was a senior specialist for wildlife policy in the South Central region for the National Wildlife Foundation and launched the new Gulf Program after the BP oil spill. She was spearheading numerous projects and grants to "Save the Manatees" along the gulf coast and working tirelessly to better sea turtle lighting ordinances. Her impact on Gulf Coast wildlife will be sustaining.

 

Jessica was active in the Pensacola and St Petersburg triathlon communities. She was an enthusiastic “coach” and everyone's cheerleader and inspiration whether on the race course or teaching spin classes at the YMCA.

 

She lived life to the fullest, sharing adventures in all parts of the world. Whether climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, biking the iconic mountains of the Tour de France or cage diving with the great white sharks off the southern coast of Africa, she did it right.

 

Her love of life was contagious. 

Rest In Peace Jessica. May your spirit live on in all of us.

#livelikejessica