A Woodbury teen who died in a car crash last week was remembered Monday as a “beloved” member of her school community with a generous, contagious and authentic smile.

Elizabeth “Libby” Radecki, 17, died in a car crash Friday in West Lakeland Township.

One of the teachers at St. Croix Preparatory Academy, which Radecki attended said that the 17-year-old was “so beloved!”

“She had the most contagious, authentic smile, and she was generous with it. Her optimism and enthusiasm brightened every space she entered, and our small community feels her loss profoundly,” said Elaine Bransford, the Upper School Teaching and Learning Coordinator at the school.

Radecki had many interests, Bransford said, including Mock Trial “where she dominated the courtroom,” the philosophy club “where she raised profound and interesting questions about the world” and track and field, which she had been missing since being sidelined by an injury.

In addition, Radecki had a “deep and authentic faith,” she said.

“The unimaginable loss of this brilliant, inspiring young woman has shaken us deeply. There simply are not the right words to express to her family how saddened we are by this tragedy, and how grateful we are that you allowed us the privilege of knowing Elizabeth Radecki,” Bransford said in an email.

Camp Daniel, a Wisconsin church camp where she volunteered as a counselor posted about her on social media, saying “Libby was someone who was easy to love. She had a big, bright, loving personality. With a servant’s heart and a positive attitude, she embraced every task, whether scrubbing toilets or caring for her camper. She made countless friendships and left a lasting impact on those around her.”

Her mother responded to that post and commented how important the camp had been to the teen.

In her own post, her mother, Dawn Radecki said, “Words cannot express our family’s brokenness. Thank you to our village for all of the love and support and Rest in Peace until we’re all united again in Christ my Libby Lu.”

Shortly after 4 p.m., Friday deputies were called to a two-car crash on Stagecoach Trail North and 10th Street North in West Lakeland Township. Deputies and personnel from the Bayport Fire Department and Lakeview EMS attempted life-saving measures but Radecki died at the scene.

The other driver was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. There were no passengers in either vehicle. The Minnesota State Patrol is helping to investigate the crash. Authorities say it appears that Friday’s weather was a factor in the crash.

Related Articles

A Vermont border agent’s death, a MN native, was the latest violence linked to the cultlike Zizian group

In a year of sorrow, the women closest to Burnsville’s fallen first responders lean on each other

2 charged after Minnesota residents scammed out of $50,000

Woodbury teen killed in Washington County crash Friday afternoon

2021 police shooting of Winston Smith justified, Hennepin County attorney says