On April 26, Kaneland and fellow community members lost a beautiful, youthful 7th grade girl due to a tragic roller blading accident. Caity Phillips was the victim of an accidental roller blading car crash around 3:30 p.m.

As news of the accident spread over the weekend, so did an outpouring of affection for the Phillips family and Caity. The family put out a cross where the accident happened to show support for Caity.

Phillips will be remembered for many things but she was known most for always being a “bright and cheerful” girl. She had a heart of gold and loved helping others.

Many of her friends showed support at school on Monday, April 29, by wearing yellow, Phillips’s favorite color.

Phillips had quite the servant’s heart, she was always willing to help and make a difference.

“She was basically a little sister to me, I can’t believe she’s gone,” Melanie Bateman said.

Phillips always had a smile on her face and was a joyful, happy and cheerful person. She had many friends that said she could always make them laugh and smile and that she was always there for whoever needed her.

“My favorite thing about Caity was her smile,” Morgan  Angelo said.

She was greatly loved and will be missed. Phillips was a joy to be around.

“The thing that I’ll miss most about Caity is her hugs and seeing her smile everyday,” Angelo said.

Many of Phillip’s friends and family and the community gathered together May 2 to show love and support. Coming together to remember her one last time.

“Rest in paradise baby girl” was heard over and over.

The loss of Phillips has impacted and changed the outlook on many peoples lives. Life is too short to not live everyday to the fullest.

Life is to short, you never know when it may end, your not always promised tomorrow,” Bateman said.

Taken from life too early, the memories of her remain strong, and  Phillips will live on in hearts of the people in the community  that she has impacted. The near future will be difficult, but the Kaneland community has come together and will remember the young girl with many dreams.

Phillips will be greatly missed by her parents, Crystal and Gary; two sisters Jordan  and Taylor; one nephew Noah and grandparents, aunts, uncles and many  cousins.

A memorial has been established in memory of Phillips any donations can be made out to the “Caitlyn Phillips Memorial.” All donations greatly appreciate by the Phillips family.

“Rest in paradise baby girl,” Taylor Phillips said.