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OREM -- Family members and friends of a 13-year-old girl hit and killed by a car on her way to school Thursday morning are grieving her loss. Police say the person behind the wheel of that car was another 13-year-old girl.
Madison Mecum was standing on the sidewalk at 1340 N. 1200 West around 7:45 a.m. when the other girl plowed into her with the car. Police say both girls are eighth-grade students at Orem Junior High School.
Someone who was so nice -- she didn't do anything mean to anyone that I know of -- she got mauled over by that stupid car.
–Ahi Transfield
#ahi_quote
By Thursday night, a makeshift memorial had formed in the driveway where Madison died. Among broken cinder blocks were cards and flowers, mostly in Madison's favorite color -- pink.
"Someone who was so nice -- she didn't do anything mean to anyone that I know of -- she got mauled over by that stupid car," said classmate Ahi Transfield.
Transfield was waiting for the bus to take him to school Thursday morning when he saw Madison walking down the sidewalk across the street.
"She came walking down here, and a car comes whizzing past, turns and hits Maddie," Ahi said.
He and another student were shocked at what they saw; Ahi went running to help her.
"I see her bleeding, and there was a couple of cinder blocks on her head," he said.
He couldn't see the driver because the airbags had deployed, but police discovered the person driving was also a 13-year-old girl. She apparently took her aunt's Pontiac Bonneville without permission and went driving.
Police say it's clear the girl's inexperience behind the wheel was the cause of the accident.
"As far as we can tell, she was trying to make a turn here on 1340 North, and instead of hitting the brakes while making the turn she hit the gas," said Orem police Sgt. Craig Martinez.
The driver went on to hit a cinder block retaining wall, which was crushed from the impact of the car.
Madison was rushed to Utah Valley Regional Medical Center and then was airlifted to Primary Children's Medical Center in Salt Lake City. She died due to severe head trauma.
At Orem Junior High, friends put hearts on Madison's locker, and grief counselors were made available to students -- all stunned at the loss of one of their classmates.
Madison was in the school choir and on the honor roll. Teachers remember her for being cheerful. Parents of her classmates are in disbelief that something like this could happen.
"We all do some dumb things sometimes, but unfortunately this turned out to be a really, a thing that turned into a really big mistake," Kelly Transfield said.
Madison's family released a statement to the media Thursday evening that reads, in part: "Madison was a lively girl -- happy, enthusiastic, fun to be with and a blessing to all those whom she has come in contact with."
The statement continues: "The Mecum family recognizes that this is a tragedy for both families involved and offers their prayers and condolences to all those who have been involved or affected by this tragedy." [CLICK HERE to read the entire Mecum family statement]
This tragedy is especially hard on the Mecum family: A neighbor told KSL Madison's father was killed in an automobile accident several years ago.
Students at Orem Junior High will wear pink to school Friday in Madison's honor.
Meanwhile, the 13-year-old driver was released to the custody of her mother. The Utah County Attorney's Office has now charged here with negligent automobile homicide, driving without a license and unauthorized control of a vehicle.
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Story compiled with contributions from Sam Penrod, Jennifer Stagg, Marc Giauque and Cleon Wall.
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