SwimSwam’s thoughts go out to the friends and family of Ms. Jackson, including the Woodford County swimming family.
Just days before beginning her final round of Kentucky High School Championship meets, Woodford County High School/Bluegrass Marlins Swim team senior Maddie Jackson has died in a three-car collision, the Lexington Herald-Leader is reporting.
According to preliminary findings, local police initially believe that Jackson’s car struck another vehicle, which carried them both across the median to collide head-on with a third car. Two cars, including Jackson’s were engulfed in flames, and a third was flipped onto its roof. Police say that the investigation is still ongoing.
Jackson had not yet formally announced a college decision, but recently took a visit to Western Kentucky University with the hopes of swimming there. Last season, as a junior, Jackson was 7th at the Kentucky High School State Championship meet in the 100 breaststroke (1:05.86) and 11th in the 200 IM (2:08.71).
In honor of her memory, a GoFundMe account has been started that includes both personal testimonials from those close to her. The campaign’s goal is to support her family through a difficult time.
The above photo of a “goals sheet” in Maddie Jackson’s room has been circulated as evidence of her focus, both on her own goals and her team’s goals.
RIP. A positive person and positive life gone.