Remembering Michaela

Community members continue to offer support and mourn the loss of 16-year-old St. Michael teenager Michaela Olson.

Olson  and later died at the hospital. The medical examiner hasn't yet released her cause of death.

Memorial and funeral services are less than a week behind, and those who knew her are in the midst of grieving. Friends have continued to provide meals for the family and connect through the WeLoveMichaela.com website that was established last week.

"She made such an impact on all of us, but I know she will forever be embedded in the hearts of our children," St. Michael resident Hollee Saville wrote in the website guest book. Saville isn't the only one to note how much Michaela loved and cared for children, especially her 3-year-old sister, Cassey.

"She was always with her little sister," said a neighbor, who asked not to be named.

Pastor James Leonard of New Life Community Church agreed. "We met the Olson family after Cassey was born and when my wife and I came to visit, she grabbed her brother [JD] and took him to play so we could visit," he wrote in an email to Patch earlier this week.

Leonard knew Michaela well and especially appreciated her attitude. "She was filled with joy!"

Many have noted that Michaela had a deep faith and because of that, Leonard said the family is putting together a scholarship for students to attend a Christian Youth Conference through the church. "She had such an encounter with God there that they want other students to experience the same thing," Leonard wrote.

Patch users shared more than 20 comments after learning about Michaela’s passing. Here are some of the words of support and remembrance shared by St. Michael and surrounding communities:

• This was so tragic, just unfathomable. She was a beautiful light and she will always be loved and remembered. She was so kind, so sweet, so great with our children, so loving to her siblings. Please pray for her family, that they find love, peace, and happy memories in this time.
• Our family will be praying for their tragic loss. I cant fathom what they must be going through. Our thoughts, sympathies and prayers are with all of you who knew and loved her. So sorry!
•  Oh my gosh, michaela and I were great friends, she always had a smile on her face. This tragedy has struck every one that loved her as a suprise.  Please pray for God to take her hand and lead her into eternal grace.
• I love you michaela, im so sorry that your dreams were never  accomplished. You were one of my best friends, and you will always be in my heart. I pray for your family, I pray for you. Be free, be happy micheala :')
•  Loosing a young life is always tragic, May Michaela's family find the strength and love they need to carry on in the days ahead. God has a plan for each of us, for some that plan is much shorter than we think is fair, but it sounds like she has left a legacy in everyone she knew. Thoughts and Prayers to her family and friends.’
• Regardless of the diagnosis, my heart goes to all of her family. Prayers can bring peace as time heals. We know that she is sitting at the feet of God and will forever be another angels voice we will hear forever. God Bless the Olson's and may peace and tranquility be found. In the most simplest of terms, may you always know that you are loved and cherished in our hearts and soul forever.

Additional comments can be found on the original article .

Donations are being collected on the WeLoveMichaela.com website and Leonard added, "prayers are also appreciated."