Mansfield mourns teen who died in car crash

MANSFIELD, Mass. (WHDH) -- Family and friends of a teenager, who was killed in a crash early Saturday morning, continued to mourn her loss on Monday.

Michaela Smith, 16, was a junior at Mansfield High School. Her family said she had a passion for lacrosse and just got her license three months ago.

Michaela is described as someone with an infectious smile and contagious laugh. She was spontaneous and impulsive.

“We always used to say its Michaela’s way or the highway,” said Luke Smith, Michaela’s brother. “She wanted to do what she wanted to do and I was praying that someday that would turn into something positive and she would get anything she wanted out of life. Unfortunately it led to something horrible.”

Michaela died Saturday around 3:30 a.m. when the car she was driving veered off Route 140 in Foxborough. Her family said she was on her way back to a gas station where she had just bought a sandwich.

“She forgot her wallet. She rushed back to get it and in between that time she lost control of her car -- that can happen to anybody,” said Luke Smith.

Michaela had been staying at a friend’s home. That friend was in the car and was ejected in the crash, who found her way to Rene Canto’s home.

“I’m asking her, I’m like ‘Oh my God!’ She’s got blood down the side of her face, she’s got like a cut lip. She’s got blood, leaves in her hair. She looks a wreck. At that point I’m like, ‘What’s your name, what happened?’” said Renee Canto.

At the crash site people have placed flowers and messages for Michaela.

“She cared about everyone,” said Nicole Smith, Michaela’s best friend. Smith has returned to the crash site three times since the accident. “No matter what she was always there for anyone, if you ever needed help with anything.”

“I want people to just know that life is fragile and anything could happen,” said Luke Smith.

Michaela’s family is hoping to hold a candlelight vigil at the high school sometime on Tuesday, possibly on the lacrosse field.

The other passenger was taken to the hospital in serious condition, but has since been released.

Michaela’s parents said they do not believe alcohol was involved in the crash. They say it was just a freak accident.

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