Dr. Cierra Cadena Obituary, OCALA, Fla. — Dr. Cierra Cadena, DVM, a young veterinarian whose professional career was beginning in Ocala, Florida, died on September 21, 2026, just months after graduating from Texas A&M University’s veterinary program and beginning an equine internship.
Cadena was remembered by friends, colleagues, and members of the equine community as a compassionate, talented, and deeply loved person. Her connection to horses and the people who shared her passion for the sport was an important part of her life, including her involvement with the United States Team Penning Association (USTPA).
Tributes following her death described Cadena as someone whose friendship, laughter, warmth, and presence left lasting memories. Messages shared in her memory also asked for prayers and support for her parents, Renelle and John, and her brothers, Weston and Jess, as they cope with the loss of their daughter and sister.
Cadena had recently reached a significant milestone in the veterinary career she had worked toward for years. After graduating from Texas A&M University in May 2026, she joined the Equine Medical Center of Ocala as an intern. Following her death, the center remembered her as an amazing individual and valued member of its intern team.
Her death has also brought attention to mental health and well-being within the veterinary profession. A veterinary professional publicly described Cadena’s death as suicide, while other tributes have encouraged members of the profession to check on colleagues and remember that personal struggles may not always be visible to others.
The phrase “Not One More Vet” has also appeared in tributes honoring Cadena. The organization, known as NOMV, works to support mental health and well-being within the veterinary community, an issue that has received increasing attention among veterinary professionals.
For those who knew Cadena through veterinary medicine, horses, team penning, and personal friendships, her death marks the loss of a young professional whose career was only beginning. Her dedication to animals and her connection with the equine community remain central to the memories being shared in her honor.
Cadena’s family, friends, colleagues, and fellow members of the veterinary and equine communities are now mourning her passing and remembering the impact she had during her life. May Dr. Cierra Cadena rest in peace, and may comfort and strength be with her parents, brothers, extended family, friends, colleagues, and everyone grieving her loss.
