Carly Leigh, a beloved 19-year-old St. Augustine woman, died Sunday night after her car left the roadway on US Highway 1, leaving her family and community in shock.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Carly was traveling westbound around 8:30 p.m. when her vehicle struck a culvert and a sign pole, sending it airborne.
She was ejected from the car, which landed on top of her, and she was pronounced dead at the scene, officials said.
The family shared in a heart-wrenching GoFundMe post that the crash occurred while Carly had swerved to avoid hitting a deer.
A GoFundMe page set up by her aunt described Carly as intelligent, athletic, mechanically inclined, and fiercely independent.
She had a love for animals and nature and was passionate about skateboarding, reading, music, and outdoor activities, the post read.
“She talked of becoming a veterinarian, had recently considered the military, and was even exploring tattooing,” the page reads. “Her personality lit up every room in its own unique way.”
Carly is survived by her mother, two brothers, and a large extended family.
Her aunt wrote that her bond with her younger brother, her “mini,” was unbreakable.
“The loss of Carly at such a young age is unimaginable,” she wrote. “She will truly be missed by all that knew her.”
The family’s GoFundMe aims to ease the financial burden in the aftermath of the tragedy, and her aunt expressed gratitude for prayers, support, and any contributions.
“Her physical absence will leave a hole in all of us forever, but we know her soul will be all around us daily,” she said.
