Key Takeaways
- Dental student Caroline Reed, 24, died after a crash when doctors found an unexplained wound unrelated to the collision.
- LMPD’s Homicide Unit is investigating and seeking public assistance with surveillance footage.
- The beloved student was nearing graduation and is remembered as “a ray of sunshine” by her community.
A tragic loss has shaken the Louisville community after Caroline Reed, a 24-year-old dentistry student, died Wednesday evening following a crash near Tyler Park.
According to Dwight Mitchell, spokesperson for the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD), the incident unfolded around 7:20 p.m. at the intersection of Tyler Park Drive and Baxter Avenue.
When officers arrived, they found a Jeep and a pickup truck that had collided.
Caroline, the driver of the Jeep, was rushed to the University of Louisville Hospital.
There, doctors discovered she had sustained an unknown penetrating wound unrelated to the crash.
Sadly, she was later pronounced dead.
Due to the mysterious nature of her injury, the case has been turned over to the LMPD Homicide Unit.
So far, no official cause of d*ath has been released, and police are urging anyone with information, especially those with dashcam or surveillance footage, to contact their Crime Tip Line at (502) 574-LMPD (5673) or submit tips anonymously online.
No other injuries were reported in the collision.
Remembering Caroline Reed
The victim, Caroline Reed, hailed from Lebanon, Kentucky, but had made Louisville her home while pursuing her dreams.
Caroline’s journey was impressive; she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry from Western Kentucky University (2017-2021).
Similarly, she was studying for her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry and was set to graduate soon.
Before that, she was a proud alumna of the Kentucky Governor’s Scholars Program and Marion County High School.
Professionally, she had worked at WLSK Country 100.9 FM, Toyoda Gosei, and That Cute Little Shop over the years.
Tributes Pour In
Friends, colleagues, and family have flooded social media with emotional tributes, painting a picture of Caroline as a ray of sunshine who touched countless lives.
One person close to the family shared:
“This beautiful soul was getting ready to graduate from University of Louisville School of Dentistry… Sweet Caroline, so saddened by this. You were such a ray of sunshine and always asked how my day was. Prayers for your family and all who loved you. Rest easy in His arms.“
Via Facebook
Another heartfelt message read:
“The sweetest angel of them all… Someone who radiated kindness with her every move. Someone to look up to and be inspired by. Dr. Caroline Reed, I know you gave this world everything you had. I will miss you, my girl.“
Via Facebook
A childhood friend recalled precious memories:
“Growing up, I always felt like the Reed household was a second home. Caroline felt like the big sister I didn’t have… She was a light to so many and I looked up to her for that.“
Via Facebook
Another close friend wrote:
“Caroline was a literal angel on earth, now she is in heaven. If you knew Caroline, you loved her. She had a heart of gold and a presence that was so warm. She was truly an inspiration.“
Via Facebook
A Community In Mourning
Caroline Reed’s tragic and sudden passing has left a deep void in her family, friends, and all who knew her.
She is survived by her parents, Jim and Sharon Reed, and her siblings, Kaylee and Patrick Reed.
Her ambition, kindness, and positivity made her a standout not just as a student or friend but also as a human being.
The investigation into her d*ath remains ongoing, and the Louisville community now rallies around her family, offering prayers, love, and support during this unimaginable loss.
If you have any information about the crash or Caroline, don’t hesitate to contact the LMPD’s Crime Tip Line at (502) 574-LMPD (5673) or submit an anonymous tip online.
