A Florida bride, left bereft after her fiancé's sudden death, is speaking out after the couple's chosen wedding venue refused to refund thousands of dollars in deposits, citing a strict non-refund policy.
A Tragic Turn of Events
Tye Hinson and William Coney were due to marry in May 2026 at the Crystal Ballroom Lake Mary, a large all-inclusive venue they selected to host their growing guest list. Their plans were shattered in late November 2025 when Coney, aged 42, suffered a fatal heart attack just before Thanksgiving. Hinson contacted the venue two days later to inform them of the tragedy.
"This wasn't like a cancellation. This was a person dying," Hinson told News 6. Despite her loss, the venue has held firm on its contract. Hinson had paid a total of $7,609, which included a $2,000 non-refundable administrative fee upon signing the contract in August and a further payment of $5,609 made just two days before Coney's passing.
Contract Versus Compassion
Hinson, a cosmetologist who has worked weddings herself, said she understands business contracts but believes humanity should prevail. "I have issued a refund to someone when a hurricane destroyed their home before their wedding," she explained. "My compassion as a human being carries over into my business."
She claims that instead of a refund, a venue employee suggested a heartbreaking alternative: holding a memorial for Coney at the venue on their original wedding day. All other wedding vendors, Hinson said, refunded her payments or cancelled contracts upon learning of Coney's death, even those with non-refundable clauses.
The Venue's Stance and a Personal Gesture
Crystal Ballroom owner Lukasz Rogowski expressed sympathy for Hinson's loss but defended the venue's policy. He told News 6 it is unfair to compare full-service venues, which incur costs well in advance, to other vendors. Rogowski stated the non-refund policy is clearly communicated before clients sign and that the company recommends third-party cancellation insurance for unforeseen circumstances.
"We cannot compel anyone to purchase insurance," Rogowski said, adding that their policies are designed to protect all parties "in a fair, transparent, and legally sound way." He noted the venue tries to accommodate clients facing emergencies through postponements or alternative use of the space, while adhering to contract terms.
In a personal gesture, Rogowski separately donated $525 to a GoFundMe campaign set up for Hinson by her wedding planner, Patricia Aro. The fundraiser had raised over $3,500 towards a $4,000 goal. On the page, Aro wrote: "While we understand contracts and policies exist, we believe compassion and care should always lead the way, especially after such a tragic loss."
The case highlights the difficult intersection of binding legal agreements and profound personal tragedy, prompting a wider discussion on where corporate responsibility lies in the face of bereavement.
