59°
That's what Mahdere Fassil would tell her best friend, McKenzie Wilson, in the hard times.
Even when things felt hopeless. Even with obstacles in the way.
Mahdere was convinced better things were on the horizon.
Mahdere, 27, was identified as the wrong-way driver who was killed in a crash on Jeff Todd Way Tuesday, July 18, near Telegraph Road in Fort Belvoir, Fairfax County.
She nearly hit two other vehicles before hitting the Pathfinder, police said, and was taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead.
The driver of the Nissan Pathfinder, a man, was taken to the hospital in serious but stable condition and remains hospitalized. Detectives continue to investigate whether speed and or alcohol were factors in the crash.
"[Mahdre] was young and we had plenty of years of trying to figure things out, and when she passed away, she had really been taking lots of courageous steps towards fulfilling that promise to herself," Wilson said. "'Destined for greatness.'"
Mahdre, who had hoped to become a nurse, had a good heart and would go to any lengths for the ones she loved, Wilson said.
"And she had gone through a lot. She was the type of person who could have just been dragged through the mud but if you asked if she was Ok, it would be 'Blessed, I can’t complain,' always," Wilson said.
"When she passed away... she had shed lots of anchors that were holding her back and she had confidence as she progressed with each baby step that may seem minor to others but were major to us. She was making it and she had a whole great life ahead of her she was building.
"At 27, it was cut short. She made it on the other side."
Detectives would like to speak to anyone who may have information about this case. Those with information are asked to please call our Crash Reconstruction Unit at 703-280-0543.
Want breaking news in the DMV as it happens, or want to contribute? Join the DMV All Incidents Facebook group.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Ashburn and receive free news updates.
