Thousands Raised In Memory Of 19-Year-Old Killed In Saugus Crash

SAUGUS, MA — Friends and complete strangers have donated thousands of dollars to support the family of Ashley Forward, the 19-year-old Lynn woman killed Wednesday in a head-on crash on Route 107.

Forward was described in a GoFundMe post as someone who "positively impacted the lives of many through her time as a star softball player, energetic cheerleader, dedicated school/community leader, and as a close friend & confidant providing warm hugs and plenty of jokes. To know Ashley was to love her."

Forward had just finished her first year of nursing at Emmanuel College.

"It is the countless memories and touch points that many shared with her that we will continue to hold close to our hearts, now and forever more," the fundraiser said. "She will be missed dearly, and remembered always."

The fundraiser, which is meant to support her family, has raised more than $12,700 from more than 200 donors as of Friday afternoon.

Forward died after her car was struck by a Somerville man police said had just robbed a nearby 7-Eleven. William Leger pleaded not guilty a host of charges, including motor vehicle homicide by reckless operation.

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