News

Actions

Loved ones remember two teens killed in a Fountain Hills crash

Posted at 7:36 PM, Jul 27, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-27 22:37:43-04

Overcome by emotion, Janel Egan sat at a picnic table Thursday afternoon, reflecting upon the death of 14-year-old Kaillie Plante, a family friend.

"We lost an amazing little girl," Egan said.

Kaillie Plante, 14, and Nicolas Minard, 15, were killed following a crash Tuesday night at S.R. 87 and Shea Boulevard. It remains under investigation by DPS, which says it appears the driver of a semi truck ran a red light, hitting the SUV with the two teens inside.

"She was very happy," Egan said as she shared memories of Kaillie. "Every time you saw her, she always had a smile on her face, she was always giggling, laughing, sharing love with everybody around her."

Kaillie Plante's friends told ABC15 she and her family recently moved from Glendale to Payson. According to her family, Kaillie was slated to start at Payson High School, where classes begin next week. Her family also said she and Minard had been dating for more than a year.

"She was nice and she just...gave you that good vibe," said Janel Egan's daughter, Mikayla.

Mikayla Egan told ABC15 her friend, Kaillie, was excited to move to Payson and it's hard to comprehend Tuesday's crash.

"I still can't really process it, it's hard," Mikayla said.

Mikayla's mom says the crash has her hugging her own kids even tighter.

"It makes you realize, and reminds us all that you can lose anything in an instant," she said. "(Kaillie's) future was endless, she had endless opportunities, endless dreams."

GoFundMe pages have been setup for the family's of the two teens.

The GoFundMe for the family of Nicolas can be found HERE.

The GoFundMe for the family of Kaillie can be found HERE.

Kaillie Plante's father told ABC15 he wants his daughter remembered for her contagious smile and ability to make everyone laugh.