15-year-old athlete who ‘lit up a room’ is killed in UTV crash, Missouri police say
A 15-year-old girl known for her servant’s heart and love for volleyball was killed in a UTV crash, Missouri police say.
Kenlee Wallace, who had recently moved to Eureka, Kansas, died in the Sunday, July 16, crash near Kirksville, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Patrol officers said she was riding the UTV at about 9:15 p.m. when she lost control on a gravel road. The vehicle left the roadway and overturned, ejecting Kenlee.
Kenlee was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the highway patrol.
An obituary states Kenlee formerly attended Kirksville High School and was entering her sophomore year at Eureka Senior High School.
“Kenlee was an absolute Angel on Earth. So full of life and laughter and unintentionally the center of attention,” according to the obituary. “She lit up a room. She cared deeply for each person she met and always saw the good in everyone.”
The obituary noted she had a “true servant’s heart and enjoyed helping others.” That quality was displayed in an April story by KTVO, which reported Kenlee sold baked goods and used the proceeds to donate to local organizations.
Among the organizations was the Adair County Humane Society, which thanked Kenlee for a March donation.
A five-sport athlete, Kenlee’s “heart belonged to volleyball,” according to the obituary. Her new volleyball teammates described her as “a bubbly person who loved being there,” according to KWCH.
The coach for her former team said Kenlee was “a sweet girl and genuinely friendly and kind to everyone she met.”
“She was possibly the brightest ray of sunshine I have ever known,” a loved one said on Facebook. “She brought so many friends together and made a friend circle that will probably last a lifetime. Her smile and heart of gold will be deeply missed.”
Funeral services will be held Thursday at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.
This story was originally published July 19, 2023 at 8:01 AM with the headline "15-year-old athlete who ‘lit up a room’ is killed in UTV crash, Missouri police say."