Emily Johanne Carmela Starkloff (Feb 23, 1989- May 5, 2008) was just nineteen years old when she died. That is way too soon for a person to leave earth.
Cause of death: a hit-and-run killing. The driver never stopped, never came forward, and was never found.
How you can live with yourself knowing that you took the life of a young person, I don’t know.
Emily’s dad is the founder of Paraquad, Inc. a not-for-profit community-based Center for Independent Living. They advocate for the rights of people with disabilities.
The hit-and-run happened just after 1am in Saint Louis, Missouri. Emily had visited some friends in Maplewood and she just got off the MetroLink. She crossed at 4400 Forest Park Blvd and Taylor in Central West End. Then, she was hit by a car. Emily was found by a police officer who called for an ambulance.
The authorities have trouble finding anything that can form into a lead.There were no witnesses. I have not been able to find anything in the papers either.
The only thing I can think off, is Emily’s body. Were there any paint chips on her or her clothes? Did she carry a purse? Anything on that purse? Any traces at all? Tire tracks? Did the car even slow down or not? Did we check all garages? Did any car need a paint job or a dent repaired around that time?
Emily was a student at St. Elizabeth and Maplewood High Schools. Her plan was to become an ICU nurse. She was also a talented poet. I found this on a memorial page.
HEART
If the heart is not a play thing
and if the heart is not a toy
Why is it always broken
when given to to some boy
It tears and rips apart
and there’s nothing left to do
don’t leave this world that way
go on and find some one new
find some one who will treasure you
and help u on your way
then keep him forever
and never lose a day
He’ll put your heart in a glass jar
and keep it locked in there
he’ll never let another soul touch it a
and take it with him every where.
Copyright ©2008 by Emily Starkloff
Rest in peace, Emily Johanne Carmela Starkloff.