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LEHI – 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 I-15 in Utah County.
The investigation is 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 love, 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 I-15 about a half mile south of the University Parkway exit in Orem.
Maddie and her boyfriend, 21-year-old Jacob Edwardson of Fresno, California, were both killed in a car crash.
Related:
Officials identify 2 who died after collision with semitruck in Provo
The Utah Department of Public Safety on Saturday identified a man and woman who died after their car collided with a semitruck Thursday evening in Provo."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 overcorrected into the path of an oncoming semitruck 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.
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