A 22-year-old Pembroke, Massachusetts, woman was killed this week in Tennessee when a line of severe storms moved through the state, causing a tree to fall on the car she was in, according to NBC affiliate WSMV.
Laurel Flaherty was killed Wednesday when a tree struck a Nissan Rogue on Old Natchez Trace in Williamson County, WSMV reported. An online obituary confirmed Flaherty died on Oct. 12 in a "tragic motor vehicle accident" while she was living in Nashville.
Flaherty had graduated in May from Belmont University in Nashville, and had stayed in the area to attend law school this fall.
According to her obituary, the 2018 Pembroke High School graduate "was passionate about improving the lives of others and gave tirelessly to many organizations, as well as being an avid equestrian and animal lover with numerous pets, her bunny Sassy, her cat Olive, her corgi Gus Gus and her horse Doodle."
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Holly Hill Show Stable in Hanover, Mass., said it was an extremely hard day hearing of Flaherty's death.
"While Laurel is attending Law school in Tennessee she was caught in tornado winds leaving the barn she was riding at with her horse La Te Da," read a Facebook post Thursday. "Her family and friends would appreciate your prayers."
She was remembered as a "beautiful soul" and a "sweet girl," as people mourned her death as "devastating" and an "unthinkable and tragic loss."
Flaherty's family said she was the "sweetest kid ever" and "wanted to make the world a better place."
"She cherished her Belmont community which provided tremendous support in calling to be of service to others," her obituary read.
Flaherty is survived by her partner Evan Stockdale, her parents Kevin Flaherty and Maureen Crowley Parrelli, and her sister Ally Flaherty.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 18 from 4-8 p.m. at the Sullivan Funeral Homes, located at 551 Washington Street, Route 53, in Hanover. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, Oct. 19 at 10 a.m. at Saint Thecla's Church, located at 145 Washington Street, Route 53, in Pembroke. Burial will follow at Pembroke Center Cemetery.
