PARK CITY, Utah (ABC 4 News) - The Summit County equestrian community is saddened over the death of one of its own. 18-year-old Connie Blount of Park City was killed in a hit and run accident early Sunday morning near the University of Kentucky where she was a freshman.
Police say they may have located the truck involved, but are still looking for the driver.
Monday night, hundreds of students and friends showed up for Connie’s memorial at the University of Kentucky. “I always felt like I knew there was a God just looking at her smile because the light shown out so brightly that it blinded me most times," Connie’s father Jack Blount told them. Holding back the tears, he added, “From the bottom of my heart God bless all of you for being here tonight. You just don't know what this means to my wife and I and how much this strengthens us."
Now Mr. Blount is left with questions about the person who killed his daughter, but says focusing on that won't bring her back.
In Utah, friends are still in shock over Connie's death. “When I first got the news I honestly couldn't believe it,” expresses friend Hillary Howe.
Hillary and Connie, the closest of friends, graduated from Park City High School last year.
Howe added, “We did everything together, we rode together, hung out together. And there was never a dull moment with Connie, we were always doing something. She was always happy.”
And what made Connie happy, was horse riding competitions.
Connie started training at Creamayre Brook Farm about five years ago. She loved horses and horses loved her, but not as much as the people she trained with.
“She was full of energy. Bubbly full of energy. As soon as the girls walked into the barn the energy level and loudness just – ah - the girls are out of school. All the girls that ride here I consider them my kids. I mean they're my girls,” said Debbie Smith, Connie’s trainer at Creamayre Brook Farm in Heber.
But now one of those girls is gone.
“How can people do that? I don't understand. I am extremely angry over the whole thing. How can they just leave people lying in the road?” questioned Smith.
“I just think it was a really horrible thing for someone to do. I hope they find him,” stated Howe.
Yet the search goes on.
On another sad note, Connie's sister in Atlanta gave birth to a baby girl just hours after Connie died.
Connie will be buried in Park City.
