Roundabout dedicated to teenager killed in crash

MOUNT STERLING, Ky. (WKYT) – It’s been three years since Montgomery County High School student Emily Collins died in a crash.

Emily’s family has been advocating for the Spencer Road site to be expanded ever since. The doctor is safer near the Indian Mound.

Their hard work culminated in a dedication ceremony on Saturday afternoon where the roundabout was officially named the Emily-Grace Collins Memorial Roundabout.

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

Jamie and Denise Collins’ daughter Emily is described as an active and dedicated teenager who dreams of becoming a nurse.

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

Emily’s loved ones wanted to give back to that same community. They worked with the Department of Transportation and state and local authorities to turn the intersection into a roundabout.

“When we started looking at ways to make this intersection safer, we looked at several options, but it seemed like the roundabout would have the biggest impact and slow down traffic at this location,” said Rep. David Hale (R-Wellington). “It’s a great feeling of achievement to see it finally happen.”

The roundabout was missing just one last piece, and in a room filled with Emily’s loved ones and community members, the sign was revealed; one that will forever share the roundabout’s beloved namesake.

“Just happy, I mean her death won’t be in vain and that hopefully she will be the last victim,” Denise said.

Although the roundabout came about after a tragedy, Emily’s family says one of the many blessings Emily left behind is what she would have wanted as an aspiring nurse: helping others and keeping them safe.