Billings, Montana – A Billings adolescent who died in a head-on collision on Interstate 90 outside of Belgrade last week is remembered by family members.
On October 27, Brielle Papavero, 18, was traveling westbound on I-90 toward her home in Billings when she noticed a car coming straight at her.
The Montana Highway Patrol reported that the 25-year-old driver had been going the wrong way for 12 miles before colliding with Papavero.
Both of the drivers perished.
The 25-year-old was possibly under the influence of alcohol or drugs, according to the troopers.
The terrible news is still sinking in for Papavero’s family.
“She shouldn’t be gone right now. She should still be here,” said Papavero’s mother Megan Crompton.
The family wants to spread the word about the perils of drunk driving and how badly it can ruin a family.
“You might be taking somebody’s life, you know? Somebody’s daughter, sister, you know, somebody’s love of their life. I mean just think about that the next time you get behind a wheel drunk or on drugs,” said Crompton.
Family members said she was a bright soul, who loved adventuring.
Her family says she also loved music, singing, and dancing – always asking her father to dance with her.
“I mean everyone has a gaping hole in their heart right now,” her father, Brandon Papavero, said. “I was so excited to dance at her wedding. That was something that really resonated with me that I don’t get to dance with her at her wedding.”
The neighborhood has come together to support this bereaved family and take their minds off of money.
A family friend has set up a GoFundMe page for the family.
Aisley Papavero, the teen’s younger sister, admired the older woman.
“She was my role model. She was my best friend. Sometimes she was my enemy, but…” Aisley said laughing.
Ovarian cancer was discovered in 12-year-old Aisely. The family claimed that Brielle was a fierce protector who never left her
Her family claimed she was loved by many people in the neighborhood and will be missed. “She just was a lot of fun. She’s going to be missed, not just by us,” her father said.
