Lauren’s Story: Say Her Name & Swipe Left

“Swipe left, swipe right”—it’s a phrase we’ve all heard before in today’s dating scene. Digital dating is dominated by apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge. These algorithmic apps are more common; although they offer potential chances at love, online dating apps can also present serious dangers for women.

Lauren Smith-Fields, 23, has captured the attention of social media due to her tragic and untimely death following a date set up via an online app. She was found dead at her apartment after meeting up with her Bumble date Matthew LaFountain, 37, who notified authorities about Smith-Fields death. On December 12th, 2021, LaFountain called the police claiming he found Smith-Fields unresponsive following their date. Not only was LaFountain not questioned by authorities as a person of interest, but Smith-Field’s family also was never notified directly by police.

On January 24, 2022, authorities announced the cause of death as “acute intoxication due to the combined effects of fentanyl, promethazine, hydroxyzine, and alcohol.” Smith-Fields has no record or history of prior drug use, which her family urged police to consider during their initial investigation.

Smith-Fields’ family has filed a lawsuit against the city of Bridgeport, Connecticut for their failure in properly investigating their daughter’s case in relation to “fail[ing] to implement the proper crime scene investigation team to collect physical evidence,” according to the family’s lawyer. Nearly a month after Lauren Smith- Field’s death, from urging and pleading by her family, a criminal investigation has been opened.

Some believe race has played a factor in Smith- Fields’ case, as less police and media attention has been dedicated to it compared to similar cases, including that of Gabby Petito. Petito was murdered by her fiance in August. Her case sparked a nationwide discussion about the theory of the “Missing White Girl Syndrome.”

This term, coined by social scientists and media commenters, refers to the media coverage of missing and murdered persons that caterers to caucasian women as compared to women of color. “No one is talking about it and the news isn’t covering it with as much effort as they do every time a white girl falls down a well,” states Noelle, 29, when discussing Smith-Field’s case.

She learned of Smith-Fields’ death and subsequent lack of investigation on social media, like many others. Isabella, 20, stated that she believes social media is giving the story exposure “but not as much by word of mouth that Gabby got.” She continues, “Cases, where white women go missing or are harmed, are broadcasted and shown multiple times a day… whereas minority cases are swept under the rug.”

Although television coverage is lacking for this case, Smith-Fields’ horrific death has steadily gained national online attention. On January 27th, Smith-Fields’ family publicly thanked rap mogul Cardi B for bringing more attention to the case.

On January 31st, the Mayor of Connecticut, Luke Bronin, suspended the two detectives originally assigned to the case. In a stream, he addressed that he is “extremely disappointed with the leadership of the Bridgeport Police Department and find actions taken up to this point unacceptable.”

Smith-Fields’ tragic tale and open investigation have scared many online daters, with some going as far as deleting their apps. As her story continues, let Lauren Smith-Fields’ case remind the public to stay safe and cautious while on dating apps.

It is imperative that we all learn more and share her case in order to give Lauren’s story due diligence and awareness.