Roundabout on Mount Sterling dedicated to teenagers killed in crash

Mt. STERLING, Ky. (LEX 18) – An intersection that hurt Mount Sterling’s family has now been replaced with a roundabout, new-found hope and a meaningful dedication to Emilee-Grace Collins who lost her life.

Three years ago, in May 2021, 16-year-old Emilee-Grace Collins was murdered at the intersection of Indian Mound Drive and Spencer Lane in Mt. Sterling, KY.

Because the intersection was just a four-way stop with a flashing red light in the middle, it was notorious for dangerous accidents. Today, that intersection is now a roundabout with a new dedication: Emilee-Grace Collins Memorial Roundabout.

Denise Collins, Emilee-Grace’s mother, along with community support, pushed for that intersection to become a roundabout. Hopefully we will prevent more accidents like Emilee-Grace’s.

“I’m really happy that something great will come out of a bad situation,” Ms. Collins admits. “The community has been great since this happened. When Emilee first died they all came together and put their arms around us and having them was wonderful for us.”

“Her mother really got the ball rolling on the project. I was a very small part of it, but Emilee was such a big part of our lives in such a short time. We’re just grateful that this is possible,” said Jamie Collins, Emilee-Grace’s father.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet reports that roundabouts have 90% fewer fatal crashes than traditional intersections.

Mrs Collins says this dedication provides closure for the family and means Emilee-Grace’s death will not be in vain.

“Our daughter, Emilee’s tragedy will save many, many lives. There will be many more lives after we are already gone and I think once we see this sign…it will have an impact on this community and the area. “We haven’t really had any kind of closure to the last three and a half years,” Mr Collins admits.

“Pay attention. Watch what you’re doing. Pay attention to the other drivers and slow down,” says Ms. Collins.