A tragic accident on Interstate 25 last week has left a family mourning the loss of 19-year-old McKenna Angelillo Smith. The Colorado native was a passenger on a motorcycle that was involved in a high-speed collision. The motorcycle’s operator, 21-year-old Jacob Blackman, is currently facing charges of vehicular homicide.
Smith had recently returned to Colorado from Florida with plans to pursue a degree in criminal justice, her mother, Kristen Angelillo Keeser, shared. Despite her profound grief, Keeser has expressed understanding towards Blackman, recognizing the complexity of the situation.
The accident occurred near the I-70 interchange when Blackman reportedly lost control of the motorcycle. A statement of probable cause indicates that he admitted to driving at speeds ranging from 120 to 140 mph in a 55 mph zone and having consumed alcohol earlier that evening. Both Blackman and Smith were thrown from the motorcycle upon impact.
Smith’s family confirmed that she was wearing a helmet and gloves at the time of the accident. Despite these safety measures, she tragically succumbed to her injuries shortly after being admitted to the hospital. Her passing has left a significant void in the lives of those who knew her, particularly her mother, who fondly remembers her daughter’s humor and emotional depth.
While Blackman faces charges of vehicular homicide, Keeser insists that anger is not the solution. She empathizes with Blackman, acknowledging that he is also young and now must grapple with the consequences of the accident.
Keeser has chosen forgiveness as a path towards healing, urging others not to let her daughter’s death be in vain. She hopes that Blackman will find a way to honor McKenna’s memory by making a positive change in his life.
In a message of resilience, Keeser encourages everyone to stay positive, a sentiment she believes her daughter would have echoed. She emphasizes that the driver must now live with the memory of the crash and hopes he will use this experience to make a positive impact.