'I'm gonna hurt forever': Parents of college student killed by drunk driver speak out

LISLE, Ill. - A suburban Chicago woman died over the weekend while away at college in Kalamazoo, Michigan, after being struck by a hit-and-run driver who, according to police, was under the influence of alcohol.

Kaylee Gansberg, 21, from Lisle, Illinois, was a senior at Western Michigan University. There, she was an honor student – majoring in fine arts with a concentration in photography.

Loved ones say she was excited about her new apartment, and was looking forward to what the future would hold.

She was passionate about painting, and was even working on a piece the night before tragedy struck.

"We were so excited to see what this year was going to hold for her, she got to do so much with her passion of art," said Michele Gansberg, Kaylee's mom.

Gansberg’s parents say their daughter wanted to travel the world and photograph architecture when she graduated. But her dreams came to a sudden end over the weekend.

On Saturday around 2:30 a.m., Gansberg was walking with a friend near campus when she was struck by a vehicle in the 2700 block of West Michigan Avenue.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found Gansberg lying in the road and the driver had fled the area. Family members say Gansberg’s friend performed life-saving measures until paramedics arrived.

Gansberg was taken to an area hospital where she died on Sunday.

Kaylee Gansberg | Facebook

Authorities say the 22-year-old driver from Kalamazoo "was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident." He was later found and arrested, according to police.

Loved ones say the world is now a little less bright without Kaylee in it.

"For me as her father, she will always be my little girl. She had the most beautiful smile and brown eyes. I’m going to miss them so dearly and I am going to hurt forever without her in my life," said Keith Gansberg, Kaylee's father.

Kaylee's parents tell FOX 32 Chicago they are extremely appreciative of the outpouring of support from community members near and far.

"Everywhere she went, she cheered people up. Any negative situation, she turned it into a positive. She liked to make jokes, liked to make people laugh," said Ashley Kowalski, one of Kaylee's close friends. "She was very determined, when she set her mind to something she had to finish it."

Gansberg was a member of the Chi Omega sorority during part of her time at Western Michigan University.

"We are deeply saddened to share the loss of a beautiful soul, Kaylee Gansberg. If you were lucky enough to know Kaylee you know she was the kindest, most outgoing and artistic person. She was everyone’s friend and we were lucky enough to have her as our sister. We will never forget you or the impact that you had on our lives. You will always be in our hearts and we now have the best guardian angel watching over us," the Chi Omega sorority posted on Facebook.

The president of Western Michigan University expressed condolences in a post on the university’s website.

Meanwhile, Lisle District 202 – where Kaylee attended school until college – released the following statement on Monday:

"Lisle 202 is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Lisle High School Class of 2019 graduate Kaylee Gansberg. Kaylee was a vibrant part of our school community from elementary through high school. She exemplified leadership through her positive attitude and her involvement in activities, athletics, and the arts at Lisle High School. Those who had the privilege of meeting Kaylee know the impact she had on those around her. She will be greatly missed by our entire community. Lisle 202 extends its deepest sympathies to the Gansberg family and the Lisle community during this difficult time."

A GoFundMe account has been started to help support the Gansberg family during this unimaginable tragedy.