MILL CREEK — It’s been a week since Mikayla Sorenson’s family learned that she had been killed in an early morning crash that took the lives of two other young people and injured a fourth.
“No one can begin to describe the pain and the heartbreak that comes from losing a child suddenly through trauma,” the family wrote in a statement released Tuesday.
Mikayla was 15. Also killed in the crash were Landon Staley and Travin Nelson-Phongphiou, both 16. The trio attended Jackson High School in Mill Creek.
A 15-year-old girl, a student at Cascade High School, survived the July 26 crash.
Snohomish County sheriff’s detectives continue to investigate what caused the Kia Sorento to leave the roadway and smash into a semi tractor-trailer parked along Alderwood Mall Parkway.
Mikayla went to Woodside Elementary and Heatherwood Middle School before attending Jackson. Her family said the teen loved dancing, singing, fashion, makeup and traveling.
“Mikayla was a kind soul, loved by her family and friends and full of life,” the family wrote.
They also described her as smart, personable, empathetic and free-spirited. She loved her school and all the people in her life, they said.
Mikayla is survived by her mother, Michele Johnson, father Dan Sorenson, stepfather Marques Johnson, brothers Anthony Alfieri and Justin Thielman, sister Mikenzie Sorenson and her grandparents, Brian and Karen Ericson and Richard and Jeanne Thielman.
The teen’s family thanked Mikayla’s friends and their families and the high school community for its support and love.
“The family greatly appreciates your thoughts and prayers as they mourn the loss of their daughter and sister,” according to the statement.
Funeral arrangements are under way. Condolence messages can be sent to Purdy &Walter at Floral Hills. A GoFundMe account has been set up to help the family with funeral expenses.
Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463; hefley@heraldnet.com.
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