A Grand Rapids Community College student was killed in a car accident in Rockford on Thanksgiving night and an effort to raise funds for a scholarship in her name is underway.
Nevaeh Downs, 18, of Grand Rapids, was described as a “beautiful young woman who made a positive impact on everyone she met” in her obituary.
“We can all agree that Nevaeh left us too soon. However, we can all agree that the impact she left on us will last a lifetime,” the obituary states.
A GoFundMe account was started by Heather Halligan, a friend of Downs, to try to raise enough money to honor Downs with a GRCC scholarship in her name. An original goal of $6,000 has already been achieved, as the amount is currently at $6,205. The obituary also says memorial donations may be made in her name to the Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan.
The crash occurred at 8:30 p.m. on Jericho Avenue N.W. near Peter Creek Drive in Plainfield Township. According to the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, a 19-year-old woman lost control, causing her car to hit a tree. The driver was hospitalized with severe injuries while Downs, who was in the passenger seat, died at the scene.
Downs graduated from Northview High School earlier this year, where she spent a lot of her time as a swimmer. She also liked dancing, soccer, lacrosse, and mentoring young children. She continued her excellence at GRCC, where she majored in business.
