MOUNT STERLING, Ky. (WKYT) – It’s been three years since Montgomery Co. High School junior Emilee Collins was killed in a crash.

Since then, Emilee’s family has supported the completion of the stretch of Spencer Rd. near Indian Mound Dr. safer.

Their hard work culminated in a dedication ceremony Saturday afternoon to officially name the roundabout the “Emilee-Grace Collins Memorial Roundabout.”

“It brings some kind of closure, for the last three and a half years, that we haven’t really had,” said Jamie Collins, Emilee’s father.

Jamie and Denise Collins’ daughter Emilee is described as an active and selfless teenager with aspirations of becoming a nurse.

“The community has been wonderful since this happened,” said Denise Collins. “When Emilee first died, they all came together and put their arms around us and were just amazing to us.”

Emilee’s loved ones wanted to give back to the same community. They worked with the Department of Transportation and state and local officials to convert the intersection into a roundabout.

“When we started looking at the possibilities of making this a safer intersection, we explored several options, but it seemed like the roundabout was going to have the biggest impact and slow down traffic around that point,” he said. said Rep. David. Hale (R-Wellington). “It’s a great feeling of accomplishment to see it finally happen.”

The roundabout was missing just one final piece, and to a room full of Emilee’s loved ones and community members, the sign was unveiled; one that will forever share the roundabout’s beloved name.

“Just happy, I mean her death will not be in vain, that hopefully will be the last fatality out there,” Denise said.

While the roundabout came in the wake of tragedy, Emilee’s family says one of the many blessings Emilee left behind is one she wished she had as an aspiring nurse: helping others and keep them safe.

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