A university student was killed when a tire broke loose from a truck on the motorway and flew through the windshield of her car.
Lauren Collins, 18, was driving on the Interstate 75 in Boone County towards Ohio when the accident occurred early Sunday morning (16 July).
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The Boone County Sheriff’s Office said the tire detached from a passing truck, bounced over the concrete median and struck the windshield of Collins' 2012 Buick LaCrosse at approximately 12:15am.
Collins was pulled from her vehicle by emergency responders from the fire department.
The young woman was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center with 'life threatening injuries'.
Sadly, she later died as a result of these injuries.
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The truck and its driver have not yet been identified, although police suspect that it was a dual pickup truck with four tires along the rear axle.
Collins, from Independence, Kentucky, was studying fashion merchandising at the University of Kentucky.
She had just finished her first year of study, having graduated from high school in May 2022.
Those who loved her wrote of her as a 'free spirit' with 'impeccable style' who loved dancing.
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A family member wrote on Facebook: "I am blessed to of [sic] known you Lauren Collins and most grateful to have our families come together.
"I will treasure our times together and mostly our private ones. Fly high you beautiful soul, heaven is definitely gaining a precious angel today."
One well wisher wrote: "You will forever be in our hearts, Lauren."
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While another commented: "We wish we could be there. We are praying for you all and keeping you close to our hearts while you grieve this immense loss. Lauren was so lovely."
Covington Catholic High School, where Collins' father works as a cafeteria worker, also paid tribute to the late teen on their Facebook page.
It wrote: "This past weekend our community suffered the tragic loss of three young souls including Lauren Collins, the daughter of CCH cafeteria worker, Keith Collins, whom the boys affectionately refer to as 'Lunch Dad.'
"Our hearts are broken by these losses. Please join our Colonel family in praying for Keith, Lauren, the Collins family and all who are grieving.
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"Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon her. May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen."
Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the Boone County Sheriff's Office at 859-334-8466.
Topics: US News
Ben Thompson