Teen killed in crash 'left such an incredible legacy'

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. — Changes could be coming to a dangerous intersection after a 16-year-old Cherokee County girl died last week while on her way to school.

Channel 2’s Chris Jose has learned there have been more than a dozen crashes in the last three years at the intersection where Madilyn Phillips was killed while driving to Woodstock High School.

According to the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office, Phillips collided with a truck at the intersection of Ball Ground Highway and East Cherokee Drive. Investigators say Phillips was attempting a left turn when the crash happened.

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"We had seven accidents reported at that intersection last year in 2016, and four accidents in 2015," said Marianne Kelley, with the Cherokee Sheriff's Office.

The sheriff's office says traffic lights or better signage could make the road safer.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

More than a thousand people attended Phillips' funeral on Friday. While her friends handed out cards that said, "Live like Maddi," her principal gave the eulogy.

Smith said, in part, "Maddi left such an incredible legacy of love, passion, happiness, support, care and beauty. She made individuals feel better when they were with her. She was a sunflower in a sometimes dark, lonely world. She was building a powerful legacy -- in her own way -- every day. She followed her dreams. I challenge each of us to live like Maddi."

We learned Madilyn loved to write and draw about her faith.

Cox Media Group