TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Services have been set for a Carbondale teenager who was killed by a drunk driver over the weekend.
Penwell-Gabel says Alyssa M. Lee, 16, of Carbondale, died suddenly on Friday. She was driving when a drunk driver, Anthony Tugwell, 40, of Scranton, collided with her vehicle.
Shiloah Hutsen, a family friend and creator of GoFundMe to help support the Lee family, said Alyssa was returning home from her second day on the job.
According to the Topeka Funeral Home, Lee was a junior at Santa Fe High School and was dually enrolled at Allen Co. Community College. He intended to pursue a career in mental health.
Her family said they will never again be able to hear some of Alyssa’s favorite musicians, including Taylor Swift, without feeling her absence. Her brothers also say that leaving the house will never be the same without her. She always spoiled her family with gifts with her newfound freedom which included a job and a car.
Hutsen also said Alyssa was an organ donor. Her heart, liver and kidneys helped save the lives of strangers.
Penwell-Gabel said a celebration of life will be held for Alyssa at 11:30 on Thursday, February 23 at the Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave. The family will bid farewell to loved ones at 10 and follow the cremation. service. The family asked all guests present to wear casual clothes. The services will be streamed HERE.
Following the creation, Penwell-Gabel said a reception will be held at the Carbondale ELM Community Building.
The family has requested contributions be made in Alyssa’s honor to B&C Equine Rescue, Inc.
Hutsen noted that all funds donated to Alyssa’s GoFundMe will be given directly to the Lee family to help with the costs of hospital care, funeral, lawyers, counseling and missing work.
To read Alyssa’s full obituary, click HERE.
To donate to Alyssa’s GoFundMe, click HERE.
