SOUTH CHARLESTON — Described as ’the girl who could light up the room,’ -- people close to Madison Haggy say the world is a little darker now that she’s gone.
News Center 7′s Jenna Lawson asked those close to the 23-year-old to send her videos of what they loved the most about Haggy. In the small town of South Charleston, the woman’s impact was felt by nearly everyone .
Madi died when she was hit by an oncoming vehicle while walking her dogs on Dolly Varden Road on Thursday night. The driver of the vehicle left the scene but later returned, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Madi’s aunt, Linda Haggy, said the two of them used to work with MRDD patients together and she said Madi made each of them feel loved.
EARLIER REPORTING: 23-year-old dies after pedestrian strike in South Charleston
“I’ll never forget her laugh or her smile,” she said.
Others remember her as a good friend who took care of the people who were in her life.
“It never mattered what challenges Madi was facing in her own life,” said one of Madi’s friends, Sarah Moeller. “She never let you go through anything hard without being right by your side and supporting you.”
Another childhood friend, Juliana Erwin said during her video, “There are a lot of things I could tell you I loved about Madi Haggy. The thing I loved most about her though was her kindness,” she said. “She was also a very compassionate person and loved everyone around her.”
Madi and her long-term boyfriend were expecting their first child when she was killed. The baby also didn’t survive. Madi is preceded in death by her mom and hero -- Kellee Haggy. She died this week seven years ago after a battle with cancer.
Another of Madi’s friends, Maddy McKee said she takes some peace in knowing that Madi and her baby are with Madi’s mom.
She, as did many others, concluded her video with, “I love you, Madi.”