A community is in mourning after a 16-year-old girl lost her life in a car crash in Jefferson County, Missouri, early Saturday morning.
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Madalyn Robinson, known to everyone as Maddy, was a junior at Herculaneum High School. An athlete through and through, she had a passion for softball, basketball, and track. Last fall, she proudly earned a spot on Herculaneum’s homecoming court.
“Our entire school community deeply feels this loss,” the school’s principal, Stephanie Dix, wrote in an email to parents per the St. Louis Post Dispatch. “Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends affected by this tragedy.”
Robinson was driving a 2000 Ford Ranger early Saturday, just after 1 a.m., when she lost control on Sunrise School Road. According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, her vehicle veered off the right side of the road. It then collided with an embankment. The St. Louis Post Dispatch pointed out the area is characterized by winding roads, surrounded by open fields and farmland.
According to the patrol, she was not wearing a seat belt. She was ejected from the SUV, dying at the scene. Her passenger, a 15-year-old girl, sustained minor injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment.
A Community Mourns the 16-Year-Old Girl Tragically Killed in a Car Crash
On Saturday, a local Walmart honored Robinson, a part-time employee, with a heartfelt memorial. At the store’s entrance, a table was adorned with photos of the teenager, surrounded by flowers, candles, and angel wings, creating a touching tribute to her memory.
“Madalyn was a beloved cashier whose kindness, warmth, and bubbly personality will be remembered by all who knew her,” the store wrote on Facebook, per the St. Louis Post Dispatch.
Morgan Hahn and Maddy Robinson had been inseparable since kindergarten. They celebrated countless birthdays together and also spent summers splashing around in a backyard inflatable pool. It was Maddy who persuaded Morgan to give cheerleading a try. The two also spent hours creating TikTok videos, showcasing their stunts and shared passion.
“She was genuinely the most sweetest, caring girl you could ever be around,” Morgan recalled. “You could feel the energy radiate off of her.”
When students returned to Herculaneum High School on Tuesday following the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, counselors were available to provide support.