Elizabeth Libby Radecki Obituary, Death; – A young girl from Minnesota tragically lost her life in a car accident just over a week after celebrating her 17th birthday while returning home from school.
According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the collision involving two vehicles occurred on Friday, February 14, at the intersection of Stagecoach Trail North and 10th Street North in Washington County, as reported by NBC affiliate KARE.
At the time of the incident, authorities suggested that the snowy weather conditions may have contributed to the crash, as noted by ABC affiliate KSTP and CBS affiliate WCCO.
Officials confirmed that the driver of one vehicle, identified as Elizabeth “Libby” Radecki, succumbed to her injuries at the scene, while the driver of the other vehicle was anticipated to survive. Radecki was en route to her home from St. Croix Prep Academy in Stillwater when the accident occurred, according to WCCO. Dawn Radecki, Libby’s mother, recounted the sheriff’s words: “It was a bad accident and she’s deceased. The earth split open.”
Chris Radecki, Libby’s father, reflected on their final moments together before the incident. “Before I went off to work, we gave each other a hug and said ‘I love you,’” he shared with WCCO. “We are both so grateful those were the last words exchanged.”
Chris also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support the family has received following Libby’s passing. “The messages from those who have been impacted by her life have been one of the reasons … we are able to continue,” he stated.
Dawn added, “We are discovering just how many lives she touched,” as reported by the outlet.
An obituary highlighted Libby’s “funny, sarcastic, and kind-hearted nature.” In a statement to PEOPLE, St. Croix Prep Academy remarked that Libby’s “optimism and enthusiasm brightened every space she entered, and our small community feels her loss profoundly.”
“The unimaginable loss of this brilliant, inspiring young woman has shaken us deeply,” the school expressed. “There simply are not the right words to convey to her family how saddened we are by this tragedy.”
A GoFundMe was established in honor of Libby to support the family’s memorial services and Camp Daniel. Over $26,000 has been raised as of Friday, Feb. 21.
“Family was at the heart of everything Libby did,” the organizer wrote in the fundraiser’s description. “She was a loving daughter, sister and friend, always putting others before herself. Faith guided Libby’s every step and she lived that faith through acts of service, kindness and joy.”
A celebration of life service is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 22. NEWSCHAIN contacted the GoFundMe organizer, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office for additional information on Friday.
