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Madelyn Nancy Lowe-Perdue, 26, of Chesapeake, suffered severe injuries in the accident on Thursday, Feb. 20, and was rushed to the hospital, where she later died, according to a GoFundMe campaign organized to support her family.
"As many have heard or seen by now, there was a sledding accident," they said. "Many of our loved ones were hurt or injured; however, Madelyn sustained the most serious injuries."
Perdue, described as bubbly, silly, and kind, was a hairdresser, devoted wife, and new mother to her infant daughter, Blakely.
Her husband, Brandon Perdue, is now left to raise their daughter alone after the unexpected loss of the woman with whom he built a life with since meeting in high school.
"Madelyn and Brandon Perdue met in high school, married after seven years of dating," Brooklynne Prevatte Davis, a family friend who organized the fundraiser, said.
"They built a wonderful life together, with their beautiful daughter, Blakely. Their lifelong dream of living in the country was to begin next year."
Perdue's "greatest joy in life was being Blakely's mama," she added. "She was a phenomenal new, young mama."
Perdue was born in San Diego and quickly developed a love for the outdoors and was "out the door each day as soon as she could," her obituary states.
"Whether to swim, play softball, sell Girl Scout cookies or ride horses: fish with her dad or find mischief and adventure with her brothers."
The Perdue family had been planning to move to the countryside next year, fulfilling their dream of raising dogs, hunting, and living in nature together, their loved ones said.
Following her death, tributes and support have poured in for Perdue's family as they prepare for her funeral.
"I just want to say thank you so much to everyone for all the texts and emails, comments, and phone calls expressing your love for our beautiful niece Madelyn Lowe," her aunt posted on social media.
"This will continue to be a struggle for our family. But please know that your kind words and thoughts are very appreciated. Please continue to pray for Brandon and Blakely."
"Madelyn graduated from Grassfield High School in 2017, after which she grew a dedicated clientele as a hair stylist with Citrine Hair Salon," according to her obituary.
"Catch a lightning bug and a butterfly in her hand, and then let it go…that was Madelyn."
Now, instead of planning their next adventure, her family is faced with an unimaginable loss.
The GoFundMe set up for the family quickly gained traction, with more than $100,000 raised following her death.
“All donations will go directly towards laying Madelyn to rest, any medical expenses to come, and for the care of Blakely and her future,” the campaign states.
Anyone wishing to donate can do so here.
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