Toledo family remembers teenager after tragic accident

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – Forever 17. This is how an East Toledo family is remembering their loved one after a tragic accident.

“She really wanted to turn 18,” said Kim Bright, Olivia Bright’s mother.

Olivia would have celebrated her 18th birthday on Friday, but her life was cut short in August. Instead of celebrating her future, her family had to celebrate her legacy.

They were supposed to light birthday candles, but Olivia’s family started putting up memorial candles to mark what would have been the teen’s first year as an adult.

“I wasn’t ready for it. I will never be ready,” Kim said.

Kim was babysitting her grandchildren in August when she received the phone call no parent wants. Her daughter Olivia had died, and the first responders thought she had been electrocuted in a caravan outside her home.

Kim no longer lives in her old blue house in east Toledo. The memory of what happened is still too painful.

“To gain more sanity, I had to move,” Kim said.

The family believes Olivia did not take her high blood pressure medication, which led to her death.

As dusk fell Friday evening, Olivia’s family and friends returned, not to remember how she died, but to honor her life.

Her family remembered the good times and the hard times. They said that no matter what happens, the bond of a family lasts forever.

No parent should have to bury their children, especially without warning. Olivia’s family said you don’t know what can happen, so cherish your loved ones and keep that bond strong.

“No matter what happens, just protect your kids,” Kim said.

Even though Olivia can’t attend her birthday party, her family makes sure September 15 is marked on their calendars for years to come.

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