article courtesy of 9and10News
The Gladwin community is remembering a teenager killed over the weekend in a tragic accident in Midland County.
Deputies say 18-year-old Kristina Garafalo was hit by a wrong way driver Friday night.
A short time later, another car hit her from behind.
The wrong way driver is in critical condition.
It happened on U.S 10 west of Stark Road in Lincoln Township.
The sheriff is waiting for toxicology results before sending a report to the prosecutor.
Kristina Garafalo was just days away from starting classes at CMU on a full academic scholarship after graduating from Gladwin High School as valedictorian.
She planned to study neuroscience and psychology.
“She just wanted to go to college and she worked hard, I think she worked since she was almost 15, sometimes two jobs, one in the morning and then in the evening. She was very accomplished, she was driven like no other, she was extremely smart, she had goals, she was going to be someone some day and she had the kindest heart for everyone,” Christine Schilling
Kristina was also an accomplished dancer. Her instructor of seven years says she came to life when she performed.
“She stood out, you never had to pull anything out of her, and she just shone. Her smile was just so bright on stage, she showed emotions like nobody else, and it was incredible. Whatever her future held, she wanted to do, she was going to do it, and she was so driven and focused and talented in everything she did,” said Adrienne Schlitzkus.
Kristina’s smile and kindness was known to everyone. Her determination and the can do attitude she continues to inspire in others will undoubtedly be her legacy.
“She got her life taken too short and I want everyone to know how special she was and how people should just realize she was going to be great, she was going to be great. Don’t worry about little things, just aim for success, success in your home, your friends, your work and be the best person you can be because that’s what she was,” said Schilling.
