Leslie Erin Mahaffy was the miracle baby for Dan and Debbie Mahaffy a few short years later Leslie's brother Ryan completed the family. Friends of Leslie have said how very friendly and vivacious, funny, with a dash of rebelliousness in her like all teen girls get were what made Leslie special. Leslie was always at the beach, as it was her sanctuary. Laughing and enjoying the cool water with her friends, her friends fondly remember her in this way. Friends and family would mention that she wanted to be a marine biologist as dolphins and all water animals fascinated her.