Lexie was born on July 23, 2000, one minute after her identical twin sister, Lauren. They were best friends and inseparable. Nobody could tell them apart. We painted their toes different colors, put bracelets on different wrists, and eventually parted their hair different, just so people could tell them apart.
Lexie was our happy heart and she loved the color pink. She always had a smile and found a way to connect with those who needed a friend. She had a funny sense of humor and her laugh could light up the room. Lexie and Lauren were always together. Some of their favorite things to do were to go shopping at Cactus and Tropical, eat dinner at Zupas, listen to music, or grab a drink at Swig. Lexie loved flowers and succulents and wanted to be a florist when she grew up.
Lexie was a junior at Corner Canyon High School. School never came easy for Lexie, but she worked hard and it paid off. She was accepted into the National Honor Society and a member of the mountain biking team. This last summer Lexie had learned to surf and loved it. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a strong testimony.
On the night of November 19, 2016, Lexie, Lauren, and three of their friends decided to go to a movie and then to a friend’s birthday party. Lexie ran in the house at 11:23 p.m. as I was putting up the Christmas tree. I had just attempted to Snapchat my kids a picture of me dancing around the tree. She opened the coat closet to grab something and yelled, “Nice Snapchat, Mom. You need to work on them.” She giggled and ran out the door. It was the last time we would see that darling smile. A few minutes later, I received a phone call from one of her mountain biking coaches. She told me to grab my husband and drive down the street. We could hear sirens and see lights. In the middle of it all was a ball of fire. As we got closer, I could tell the ball of fire was a car. I kept thinking, “My girls, my girls.” I ran out of the car and an officer grabbed me and told me I couldn’t be there. I told him my twins were in the car that was on fire. He walked me back to the yellow tape. As we were walking back, I saw a black blanket lying on the ground . . . a single hand sticking out the side.
I begged him to tell me if it was one of my daughters. He kindly told me I had to go behind the tape. We stood there for what seemed like an eternity. Finally, an officer let us know that our daughter, Lauren, had been injured and was in an ambulance heading to the hospital. He then proceeded to tell us that our sweet Lexie had been killed. Her friends tried to catch some air on a road that was known for jumping. Every day we are faced with choices. Some are trivial and some more far reaching. Some will make no difference and others will make all the difference in the world. One choice to drive way too fast stole our sweet Lexie and her friend, Ethan, from us. May we all remember to make good choices especially when driving.
Lexie, we only got you for a short time but your sweet life will be remembered and cherished as long as we live. We can’t wait to be reunited with you and have our twins back together. Love you Lex!!!
