On 10/20/23, Maddie was in the backseat of a vehicle, heading out for a fun night at Six Flags, when due to the driver’s excessive speeding, they hit a tree at 40mph+ on the backroads of O’Fallon IL.

Maddie was airlifted to St. Louis University trauma center, but did not survive. Her cause of death was ‘Blunt force trauma’, which was inflicted by the seatbelt she was wearing and which caused significant internal bleeding upon impact.

Just 8min earlier, we watched her leave our home’s front porch and get into the vehicle that would be her final ride.

Life is uncertain and often impossible to explain. However, the legacy that Maddie left on this world in just 16 short years was amazing.

Her life revolved around her high school (OTHS). She even told me once, “Dad, I just love school!” How odd for any teenager to say that, right? Maddie truly found joy in everyday life at OTHS. She was a 3yr member of Student Council and teammate on the Girls Tennis team in particular. She enjoyed Homecoming week like no other! The pep rallies, dress up days, and decorating the school for the dance…she lived for THIS week.

Her involvement on the tennis team was also special. Her positive nature coupled with her competitiveness (even during fundraising events) truly provided an environment which meant the world to her.

Her character was inspirational as inclusiveness & positivity was simply her nature. ‘Living like Maddie’ is truly a way we should all take to heart.

Though Maddie is physically not with us anymore, she will always remain with us in spirit. In her memory, the MB Foundation will continue to seek out opportunities to impact the lives of local teenagers through the attitude and character that Maddie exemplified every day.