Utah Woman, Boyfriend Killed In Crash During Winter Storm
Dec 20, 2020, 5:29 PM | Updated: 11:37 pm
LEHI, Utah – The parents and family of a 22-year-old woman who was killed in a crash during the most recent winter storm have been mourning the loss of their daughter and her boyfriend.
The crash happened Thursday on Interstate 15 in Utah County.
The investigation was ongoing, but the Lehi family said all signs point to weather conditions. Maddie Fillmore and her boyfriend were heading to a wedding in Rexburg when they lost control of the car.
“She was truly a Christmas blessing, we named her Madalyn Noelle because she’s our Christmas Star,” said her mom. Kim Fillmore.
Wednesday, Dec. 23 would have been Maddie’s golden birthday, when she turned 23 years old.
“She was so full of life, and still is,” said her dad, Mark Fillmore.
“She just has always shown her light, and loved and brightened every room that she walked in,” Kim Fillmore said.
Her life was cut short in an unexpected moment Thursday on a stretch of Interstate 15 about a half mile south of the University Parkway exit in Orem.
“When that big snowstorm hit,” Mark Fillmore said.
Maddie and her boyfriend, 21-Year-old Jacob Edwardson of Fresno, California, were both killed in a car crash.
“She was in the commuter lane and somehow went into the center barrier after hitting some ice or something,” said Mark Fillmore.
Troopers suspect Maddie then over corrected into the path of an oncoming semi tractor-trailer in a T-bone style collision. Maddie was driving. Jacob was in the passenger side.
“What we’ve been told is that neither (of them) suffered any pain – that it was instant – which is such a blessing to us,” Mark Fillmore said.
As they cope with their loss, Maddie’s parents said they were grateful for a good Samaritan who helped their daughter through her last moments.
“There is a beautiful Angel Mother who witnessed the accident. Their car was right behind the semi, and they stopped and she stayed with Maddie and her boyfriend,” her mom said. “My heart was so touched by such a kind soul, who would take the time to stop and be a mother to my daughter.”
Her parents also expressed their gratitude for the first responders and community support.
They said Maddie will be remembered for her love of theatre, but it’s her example of kindness that lives on.
“I just hope she knows how much she was loved,” Kim Fillmore said.
“Maddie touched so many, in such a small, way that she didn’t know,” said Mark Fillmore.
A GoFundMe* account has been created to help Maddie’s family pay for funeral expenses.
*KSL-TV does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
