Elana Korey's Story
Elana Korey's Story
Elana Korey was a beloved daughter, sister, one of only two granddaughters, an animal whisperer, and a loyal friend with the biggest heart for all. Elana's irreplaceable gift was her unconditional love. She was a rising junior at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, AR, enrolled full-time in the Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences as a Communications major—just like her dad. A proud SEC Razorback and an active member of the AOII sorority - Greek life like her mom. Eight days before beginning her Junior year, full of excitement to share college life with her "soul" puppy Ollie - our world would never be the same.
In the early morning hours of July 28, 2024, our daughter’s life was tragically cut short at just 20 years old. Elana was an innocent passenger in a heart-wrenching single-vehicle crash in our cherished Vermont mountains. A senseless act that was entirely preventable- reckless driving. A result of someone else's negligence and actions. In her last hours, Elana was not kept safe or protected as her family had done countless times driving through the Vermont mountains. It is an unbearable pain knowing Elana would not be able to protect herself in a place that was so special to our family and we would never get the chance to prevent this from happening to her. She had her whole life ahead of her- so much love to give, dreams to chase and light to share. Gone in an instant.
Following the crash, our family traveled to Vermont and spent over two weeks working tirelessly to bring Elana home with all the love and dignity she deserved. During that time, we felt a powerful and immediate calling....
We carry the weight of her absence every single second of every single day, our lives forever altered with no going back yet, we are committed to honoring her beautiful legacy, while in the depths of our overwhelming grief. Elana was both a proud little sister and big sister. Her brothers have been and will continue to be our anchors in the stormy seas our family must now endure for a lifetime with her profound loss. Even in our heartbreak, we knew we must honor her too-short life by continuing her legacy of unconditional love, joy, and kindness she shared so effortlessly with others. Elana's vibrant spirit, kind heart, and infectious laughter touched everyone she met. We will strive everyday to do the same in her honor. The devastation of Elana's loss will empower Ollie's Angels to do good in this world and to inspire others to see the bigger picture when it matters most.
From those early days in Vermont, Ollie’s Angels Foundation Inc. was born. Our minds turned toward how could we turn this unimaginable darkness into light—something beautiful and good, the very essence of our daughter. To help and educate others with the hopes of preventing lives being lost and families devastated in the aftermath of such senseless acts of reckless and impaired driving.
The foundation name Ollie’s Angels holds special meaning. Elana adored animals, and at the end of her sophomore year at college, she brought home a puppy she lovingly referred to as “my angel.” It was a term of endearment that reflected her gentle heart—and now serves as a symbol of the love, light, and protection we hope to offer others through this foundation.
#LoveLikeElana #OlliesAngelsFoundation #DriveSafe
