A tragic love story came to an end in Georgia when 24-year-old McKayla Harshaw was killed in a seven-car pileup just before her boyfriend, Andrew Perez, reportedly planned to propose and days before her birthday. The deadly crash occurred on I-75 in Atlanta after two utility trucks crashed into a third van, which then collided with the couple’s Toyota Corolla, causing their car to flip during the impact. Harshaw was the only one killed in the accident, while six others were injured, leading to the closure of the highway for hours.
Perez is currently fighting for his life after sustaining serious injuries in the crash, including a fractured skull and a broken neck and back. Harshaw’s mother, Melissa Gunther, revealed that Perez’s brother had informed her that he was preparing to propose to Harshaw before the tragedy struck. Harshaw’s death occurred just four days before her 25th birthday, leading Gunther to post a heartfelt message on Facebook, expressing her love for her daughter and the pain of missing her radiant personality.
Described as a “radiant light in the world,” Harshaw worked as a nanny and was an avid hiker, climber, and model in her hometown of Marietta, Ga. Known for her selfless nature, she touched the lives of many and inspired others to overcome life’s challenges. In the wake of her passing, Gunther started a GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses, as Harshaw did not have health insurance. The fundraiser has received nearly $18,000 in donations towards its goal of $20,000, highlighting the support from the community in honoring Harshaw’s memory.
Harshaw is survived by her parents, brother, and grandparents, with a funeral service scheduled for October 5th to celebrate her life and mourn her untimely death. Her tragic story serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the impact of unexpected accidents on loved ones. Despite the heartache and loss, Harshaw’s memory will live on through the lives she touched and the legacy of kindness and inspiration she left behind. The devastating end to her love story with Perez has left a community grieving the loss of a bright young soul taken too soon.
