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DAVIS COUNTY -- A sad ending to a story we once reported and hoped would have a different outcome: A ninth grade girl in Davis County has lost her battle with cancer.
Madey Slaughter passed away Tuesday night, approximately a year after she was diagnosed with bone cancer.
Madey didn't go into the fight against cancer alone. An entire community was by her side, rejoicing when it appeared she was getting better and supporting her when it took a turn for the worst. Now, they're standing by her family.
They called it the miracle shot: a three-pointer at the buzzer to win the game for the Fairfield Falcons a year ago, their first game of the season.
That day, they'd found out their team captain Madey Slaughter had cancer. They dedicated the game to her.
Tuesday night, they played again for Madey. Once again, it was the first game of the season, and once again, the Falcons won.
About an hour later, Madey passed away.
Wednesday, flowers and cards sit underneath the junior high's marquee, as does a photo of Madey and the team at last year's district championship.
Madey made a surprise appearance at that game. She cheered her teammates on and was there for them when they lost by a heartbreaking seven points.
They did good, and they shouldn't hang their heads," Madey said after the game.
Madey inspired her team and her community.
"They just gravitated to her," said Falcons coach Ron Osborn. "She had it all."
There was a "Miles for Madey" run in the spring. High schools in the district also dedicated games to her and raised money for her hospital and her treatments.
It was impossible to go to a game without seeing players wearing wristbands with Madey's number, 55. Fairfield Junior High plans to retire Madey's jersey and number.
"They're learning that life's fragile, that friendships are dear and be kind to other people," Osborn said.
It's Madey's own words from her first KSL interview that offer comfort to her coach now -- proof he says that's it's not the number of years that define a person.
"You've got to know it will be OK. It may not be OK right now, but it will be," Madey said.
E-mail: sdallof@ksl.com
