Walt Harris Posts Statement Following Loss of Stepdaughter Aniah Blanchard

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My sweet baby girl... I just wanna thank you for helping me change my life for the better... For teaching me how to be a man and a better father! For being my biggest fan win, lose , or draw! For always knowing what to say to put a smile on my face and lift me up when I was down and wanted to give up. You light up my world I’m so many ways. This pain is unbearable... I know you want me to be strong but it so hard baby it so hard. I’m gonna find away I promise you I will. Right now nothing makes sense and I’m so lost. I just want you back. I hope I made you proud... I’m gonna keep going daddy just needs time. I love you so much. Look after us like you always did. We need you now more than ever. My lil mighty mighty tiger is a angel now. I love you baby girl forever and ever!

A post shared by Walt Harris (@thebigticket205) on Nov 28, 2019 at 6:11am PST

Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight Walt Harris has posted a statement on social media mourning the loss of his stepdaughter Aniah Blanchard.

On Monday, Blanchard's remains were believed to be found, and they were confirmed to be hers on Wednesday. On Thursday, Harris posted a heartfelt statement on Instagram thanking his daughter for "helping [him] change life for the better."

Harris wrote:

"My sweet baby girl... I just wanna thank you for helping me change my life for the better... For teaching me how to be a man and a better father! For being my biggest fan win, lose, or draw! For always knowing what to say to put a smile on my face and lift me up when I was down and wanted to give up. You light up my world [in] so many ways. This pain is unbearable... I know you want me to be strong but it so hard baby it so hard. I’m gonna find [a way] I promise you I will. Right now nothing makes sense and I’m so lost. I just want you back. I hope I made you proud... I’m gonna keep going daddy just needs time. I love you so much. Look after us like you always did. We need you now more than ever. My lil mighty mighty tiger is [an] angel now. I love you baby girl forever and ever!"

Three suspects have been charged in the case: Ibraheem Yazeeed and Antwain Fisher, both for first-degree kidnapping; and David Johnson Jr., for obstructing prosecution in the case. Yazeed is being held without bond, while Fisher's bond was set at $50,000. Subsequent charges will be sought, as the Auburn Police stated in a press release, "At this point, the case will move forward as a homicide investigation, and additional charges are forthcoming."